After years of public outcry over the harmful effects of molasses distillation within residential areas, Lira City authorities have taken action to ban the practice, citing severe health and environmental concerns.
The move comes in response to increasing complaints about the unbearable odor from waste byproducts and the damaging effects of molasses on buildings and public health.
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The most affected areas include Teso Bar, Starch Factory, Ayago, Ngetta, and surrounding neighborhoods. Residents in these areas have long endured the stench and pollution associated with the distillation process, leading to conflicts among families and even reported health issues.
Job Eluk, the Senior Health Officer for Lira City East Division, emphasized the urgency of addressing these public health issues.
“The fumes from the distillation process affect buildings, corroding them when the wind carries the vapors. This is our main concern, and we are committed to fighting all these public health hazards,” Job Eluk emphasized.
In response, Lira City has officially banned both homestead distillation and the irregular sale of molasses. The Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Egole Lawrence, expressed strong support for the ban, directing law enforcement to take immediate action against violators.
“….you live in smart and decent cities, then come here to spoil ours, leaving it in total shambles. I’m directing the police to impound vehicles found unloading molasses anywhere in ungazetted homes,” Commissioner Egole warned.
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As part of the enforcement strategy, Commissioner Egole visited several distillation sites and held meetings with dealers, urging them to relocate to designated areas before the crackdown begins. He stressed the importance of keeping these activities away from wetlands.
“The relocation site is not far from the wetlands, and we have strictly directed them not to encroach on these sensitive areas with their activities, as it is completely unacceptable,” Egole added.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Local Councilor Charles Opio Olol of Lira City East Division voiced opposition, arguing that the relocation would be financially burdensome for small-scale molasses dealers.
“As a leader, I must speak the truth. How can someone with just one tin of molasses, who has taken out loans for the business, afford to transfer everything to the wetlands within three months? This is unrealistic,” Olol noted.
Grace Alunyu, a woman involved in the molasses trade echoed her concerns, demanding an ultimatum to allow dealers to sell off their current stock, as many have outstanding loans. Alunyu also warned the city council against collecting taxes from molasses traders if they are forced to move, saying the council itself benefits from the trade.
Despite some resistance believed to be influenced by political interests, the majority of molasses dealers appear to support the move to the gazetted area.
“The majority did not listen to these politicians because they know what we are telling them is right. I urge our politicians to work for the good of humanity,” RCC Egole stated.
The molasses distillation business provides income for over 800 urban residents in Lira City with a jerrycan of distilled waragi being sold for 40,000 Shillings.
The city has identified a private open space for the relocation, and while some traders have protested the decision, many others have welcomed the new development as a necessary step for improving public health and safety.
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