Gambling licences still frozen: Minister Konjore

A MORATORIUM imposed on the issuing of gambling licences more than 10 years ago remains intact and will only be lifted after a law is passed.

Minister of Environment and Tourism Willem Konjore told the National Assembly on Wednesday that the law was on its way despite the process having taken more than 10 years. He said a board was appointed for lotteries and that the development programme was also approved.”It is still on track.The moratorium must be lifted only after the law is amended.It is a process and we are working on that,” he said during the debate on the Ministry’s budget.In 1996, Government set up a special commission to investigate the impact of gambling on the country, including its possible negative social effects.Following the commission’s findings, a moratorium was imposed.He said a board was appointed for lotteries and that the development programme was also approved.”It is still on track.The moratorium must be lifted only after the law is amended.It is a process and we are working on that,” he said during the debate on the Ministry’s budget.In 1996, Government set up a special commission to investigate the impact of gambling on the country, including its possible negative social effects.Following the commission’s findings, a moratorium was imposed.