Alcohol Distillers Threaten Lira Wetlands With Molasses Waste

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Alcohol Distillers Threaten Lira Wetlands With Molasses Waste
Crude gin distillers in Lira are threatening wetlands with molasses waste | Isaac Otwii

Pushed from distilling waragi in residential areas, many distillers have now set up operations on the banks of wetlands, endangering the region's delicate ecosystem.

LIRA CITY | In July 2024, Lira City health authorities initiated plans to relocate molasses-based alcohol distillers from residential areas to Ngeta, about 4km from the city centre.

However, the move has sparked controversy, as many distillers have now set up operations on the banks of wetlands, endangering the region's delicate ecosystem.

At Okole Wetland, distillers have erected makeshift structures, filling the area with metallic drums and a pervasive stench of molasses.

The Lira City environment officer, Leonard Otike, expressed grave concerns about the impact this activity is having on the wetland's biodiversity.

"It’s a very disturbing activity because the product affects the entire community. Right now, their presence in these wetlands is a major problem. We do not permit such activity in protected areas," Otike stated.

Despite these environmental concerns, Lira City health inspector Job Eluk defended the decision to relocate the distillers, citing numerous complaints from the public about the odour and health hazards posed by their operations in residential areas.

"It was affecting the environment, and the smell had become a public nuisance. Even if you’re not directly involved in the distillation, psychologically, it’s harmful," Eluk said.

Lira City East Division Mayor George Okello Ayo echoed these sentiments, pointing to the damage caused by molasses to local buildings.

"If you visit Ayago, the roofs of buildings have been corroded by the chemicals. We can’t allow distillation by the roadside where waste is dumped carelessly," Ayo remarked.

While city officials argue that the relocation is necessary for public health and environmental protection, some distillers feel the directive is not being applied fairly.

Grace Akullu, one of the local brewers, voiced her concerns about the unequal enforcement of the relocation.

“I am willing to relocate, but it should be fairly executed. Everyone should move to the designated site so we can have a fair business environment,” Akullu argued.

Most distillers who had been operating in the areas of Teso-bar, Kirombe, and Starch Factory have now moved to makeshift structures near Okole Wetland, where waste is being directly discharged into the wetland.

These distillers also complain that the relocation has driven up their operational costs and hindered their access to markets.

"This place was full of ditches, and I had to spend Shs 2 million to make it suitable for business," Akullu added.

The city’s revenue department collects Shs1,000 per jerrican of distilled alcohol before it is sold, underscoring the economic stakes involved.

Lira City officials remain firm that the relocation is part of a wider strategy to reduce pollution in residential areas and improve oversight of alcohol production.

However, the environmental and logistical challenges posed by the distillers' move to wetland areas remain unresolved.

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