Senators push for ban on hubbly-bubbly

Senators have called for a comprehensive ban on the sale, distribution, and use of hubbly-bubbly, citing its detrimental effects on citizens’ health.

Tabling a motion during Senate’s sitting on Tuesday this week, Principal Chief of ‘Mamathe, Sempe Khabasheane Masupha, expressed concern over the rising trend of hubbly-bubbly use, particularly among the youth. He was seconded by Senator Thato ‘Mako Mohale of Mafeteng.

Chief Masupha noted that the growing popularity of the practice jeopardises public health and undermines efforts to promote a smoke-free generation, urging government to take firm action by prohibiting the sale and distribution of hubbly-bubbly.

Chief Masupha said it was disturbing that young people often underestimate the risks of the practice. However, research reveals that smoking the pipe exposes users to high levels of toxic substances, including carbon monoxide, tar, and heavy metals.

He also called on parents, educators, and community leaders to educate children about the dangers of tobacco products.

“We cannot afford to be complacent while our youth risk their health for a fleeting pleasure,” Chief Masupha cautioned.

The growing trend of hubbly-bubbly use among youth is a ticking time bomb, and swift government intervention is necessary to prevent a public health disaster, he added.

Echoing the same sentiments, Senator Mohale underscored the role of government in safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

Senator Mohale indicated that his interest is to protect the lives of the youth against substances, who sometimes do not know that they are harmful to their lives.

He noted that the usage of such substances in most cases leads the youth to doing things that would lead them to negative results, including becoming addicts, engaging in crime, or unplanned pregnancies, as well as causing damage to their kidneys and lungs.

Senator Mohale emphasized that public safety is not only the role of government but also for community leaders, parents. Young people should also realise and act on the use of harmful substances.

“We have to stand together to support government to ban the use of such substances in the country,” he said in a telephone interview with theReporter this week, stressing this should be a collaborative effort by all stakeholders, including the ministries of trade, police, and health.

Senator Mohale’s appeal adds momentum to the discussion on public health protection and youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for leadership in addressing lifestyle risks that threaten future generations.

Speaking before the House, Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Khoabane Theko, highlighted the devastating impact of hubbly-bubbly smoking on individuals not only in Lesotho but worldwide.

Chief Theko indicated that the use of hubbly-bubbly has caused immense harm to the youth, underscoring the need for decisive action.

He pointed out that making its use illegal would be a crucial step in safeguarding the youth, who are the nation’s future leaders. This would help ensure a healthier future for the country.

The senators’ concerns are echoed globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO)warning about the health risks associated with smoking.

According to WHO, smoke emitted from hubbly-bubbly contains numerous toxins known to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other serious health conditions, debunking the common myth that it is a safer alternative to cigarettes.

A recent report by the organisation has also revealed that Lesotho has one of the highest rates of tobacco use in Africa. Its 2024 global tobacco prevalence estimates that a staggering 49.4 percent of Basotho men aged 15 and older use tobacco. This is significantly higher than the African regional average of 16.6 percent. The data highlights a concerning trend in Lesotho, where tobacco use is a major public health issue.