Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance -SAAPA has strongly urged the public to be extra vigilant as they engage in festive celebrations.

According to SAAPA’s Country Coordinator Mr. Mothobi Molefi, during this period, roads in Lesotho often become more dangerous because people walk or get behind the wheel after drinking, causing unnecessary car crashes which claim lives and causes permanent injuries.

Molefi said alcohol-related hospital trauma admissions also increase due to crashes and violence, including gender based violence.

He also said countries are anticipating a 4th wave of COVID-19 with the recently discovered Omicron variant which is highly transmittable, indicating that most drinkers, drink in groups despite efforts to sensitize them on safety protocols.

He therefore urged them to adhere to these safety protocols.