Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
BULAWAYO Province has intensified efforts to curb drug and substance abuse through coordinated awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and law enforcement operations in line with the National Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Plan.
Government says it will continue strengthening interventions aimed at reducing drug and substance abuse through prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
Speaking during a media briefing in Bulawayo this Monday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube highlighted the milestones recorded during the first half of May.
“During the first two weeks of May 2026, collaborative interventions were intensified through the key pillars of supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as community reintegration and stakeholder coordination.”
The province recorded over 100 arrests linked to drug and substance abuse offences, while thousands of people were reached through awareness campaigns conducted in schools, tertiary institutions and communities.
“A total of 123 individuals were arrested for offences related to drug and substance abuse, while 9 147 people were reached through awareness campaigns. Seventy-one individuals were admitted for medical treatment and rehabilitation services, while seventy received psychosocial support and counselling services,” Honourable Judith Ncube said.
Honourable Ncube also said the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce is working with Bulawayo Polytechnic and the Zimbabwe Open University to train focal persons from various ministries and departments to strengthen community-based interventions.
