Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE government has intensified efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse with plans in motion to set up rehabilitation centres in all districts and increase awareness campaigns.
Drug and substance abuse continues to ravage communities, with the social ill no longer confined to towns but spreading to rural areas where it is breaking families, eroding cultural values and destroying the future of young people.
Government is seized with the matter amid revelations that it is intensifying awareness campaigns and establishing more rehabilitation centres.
The move has been hailed by traditional leaders who also called for punitive measures against offenders and drug suppliers.
This came out at a drug and substance abuse resource mobilisation meeting held in Masvingo this Tuesday.
“Drug and substance abuse has become one of the biggest social challenges confronting our society today. At first, we thought the scourge was confined to urban areas, but now it has become a huge problem in our rural areas, especially in areas like Mwenezi and Rutenga, which are adjacent to the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway. This move by the government to raise funds to pit up measures to fight the scourge is commendable. However, we believe that offenders must also be punished severely,” Chief Chitanga said.
“Our youth are the most affected and as a nation, we cannot fold our hands seeing a generation being destroyed. I believe it is everyone’s duty to ensure we fight this scourge,” Chief Chilonga added.
Youths hailed the government for stepping in with concrete solutions.
“We are happy that the government is mobilising resources to intensify efforts in fighting drug and substance abuse. The scourge is rampant even in our tertiary institutions,” a young person said.
“The idea of rehabilitation centres is commendable as it gives hope to many who are struggling with addiction,” another noted.
The Masvingo Provincial leadership revealed plans to establish rehabilitation centres in all districts across the province.
“Our government is committed to addressing the scourge of drug and substance abuse which continues to affect young people and destabilise communities. Today, we have been mobilising resources and we managed to raise nearly US$30 000 with a target of US$250 000. The mobilisation of resources will enable us to establish district-based rehabilitation centres and support nationwide awareness campaigns,” Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira
“As a party, we are encouraged by these developments and we will support the move as it is meant to save our people, especially the youths who are the future of our country,” ZANU PF Masvingo Province Chairperson Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa stated.
The government has already rolled out several initiatives in the fight against drug and substance abuse, including setting up an inter-ministerial task force, intensifying law enforcement operations and community-based awareness programmes.
