Editor,

I read with sadness the story published in this daily about the destruction of ‘illegal liquor’ worth Rwf11.4m. According to the story, the liquor was impounded while being smuggled from Uganda. 

The driver of the van ferrying the goods has been ordered to pay a fine to the Revenue Authority. What grieved me was that it was not clear why the liquor was destroyed.

Was it because the trader was evading tax or was it because it was unfit for human consumption? If the reason was due to attempted or alleged tax evasion, then, why wasn’t the trader made to pay the relevant tax plus an additional fine for attempting to evade. 

However, if indeed the brew was unfit for human consumption, then all efforts should be made to support brewers of local ‘delicacies’ to ensure that their products meet reasonable levels for human consumption.

Whether we want to admit it or not, local brews are here to stay, not only in Rwanda but virtually all regions within the continent. 

Locally brewed alcohol is part of our cultural heritage. The sooner we accept this and manage this trade, the better it will be for us all.

One must also bear in mind the fact that many households are supported by the income generated from this product.

Remera