The authorities of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area’s (GPAA) Pochalla South County have reinforced the ban on the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol and other illicit drugs following a recent shooting incident at the local airstrip, which created panic.
The county commissioner, Otho Okoti, told Radio Tamazujon on Wednesday that the police have been tasked with enforcing the order and that those found in defiance will have punitive measures taken against them. He said the ban was necessary to foster calm and security because the county was becoming unruly.
“Our soldiers are overindulging in alcohol consumption. The recent shooting incident at Pochalla Airstrip was caused by a drunkard soldier,” he said. “So, to stop crimes and unnecessary shootings, the police are tasked with reinforcing the order.”
The police now patrol the town to enforce the order, he noted.
“Our police are moving within residential areas to ensure the ban is being observed, and anyone found in defiance will be fined,” the commissioner added.
Okoti urged those whose livelihoods will be affected by the ban to find alternative income-generating activities, including farming and small-scale businesses.
A woman who identified herself only as Ajulu said they are now between a rock and a hard place.
“When those with guns get drunk and shoot their weapons, we feel insecure and have to flee. However, the problem is not alcohol, but the guns,” she said. “Government should not ban our income-generating activities but find a way of dealing with those who commit crimes.”
For his part, Col. Amati Ocham, the county police inspector, said the alcohol ban was being effectively enforced.
“This order was first issued last year, and we are now only reinforcing it. Alcohol and other harmful drugs from Ethiopia, like bhangi (marijuana) and mairungi (khat), have been banned,” he stated. “We move within residential areas to get rid of these harmful substances.”