Story by Aifheli Mudau
MATABELELAND South Province has initiated a Drugs and Substance Abuse Resource Mobilisation campaign, with the refurbishment of Old Jahunda TB Clinic in Gwanda earmarked to serve as a provincial rehabilitation centre.
The initiative, launched on Thursday, aims to mobilise resources from stakeholders and communities to strengthen the province’s response to the escalating drug and substance abuse crisis. Youth residents have welcomed the move, highlighting the urgent need for interventions.
“Most of our peers are hooked on these drugs, so I think the initiative of launching this Drug and Substance Abuse Resource Mobilisation will go a long way in saving our brothers and sisters,” a youth resident said.
“We thank the government for taking this move because it is mostly us youths who are affected, the rehabilitation centre will breathe new life into the communities,” another stated.
Following the launch of the provincial initiative in Gwanda this Thursday, there is hope that all stakeholders will come on board to support the fight against the scourge.
“We thank the government and at the same time encourage the law to be firm on the drug peddlers,” Chief Masuku said.
“Let me take this opportunity to call upon all Gwanda residents to unite and assist in whatever way to make this project a success so that we can save our children,” Gwanda Town Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo added.
“We have identified this clinic so that we can use it as a provincial rehabilitation centre. We need to refurbish it first, and then we will engage the community on the way forward. As a province, we are ready to assist our communities from this drug and substance abuse menace,” Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe noted.
The development in Matabeleland South Province comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in July, launched the National Resource Mobilisation Campaign aimed at raising US$77 million to support Zimbabwe’s intensified war against drug and substance abuse.
