Story by Tichaona Kurewa
In a significant step towards combating drug and substance abuse in Victoria Falls, a new day care rehabilitation centre for drug and substance abuse is set to open its doors in the first quarter of the year.
The centre was funded by government to the tune of over ZiG1,8 million and will undergo structural adjustments to an existing building.
This funding will also cover the acquisition of furniture, consumables, and essential medicines.
Chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residence Association, Mr Kelvin Moyo told the ZBC News, “I think the other important advantage is that a drug-free community would have the workers within the right frame of mind to provide professional service to visitors in Victoria Falls. In my view, this speaks well as it signifies confidence in the personnel who deliver quality service to visitors, ultimately leading to repeat business. People would then feel confident to return to Victoria Falls.”
The centre, with a capacity of 30 patients, will offer services such as counselling, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and family therapy.
Victoria Falls Housing Director, Mr Brian Nyamande said, “I can confirm that the Council has indeed received a total of ZWG1.85 million for the establishment of the drug and substance rehabilitation facility at Chinotimba Clinic. We anticipate that all works will be completed by the end of February, allowing us to admit our first patient on March 1st. The facility will operate as a day care centre and a drug case management centre, providing daytime care for patients who have undergone detoxification at the hospital. I would also like to express our gratitude to the government for not only providing the funding but also seconding specialised personnel, including a GMO, a doctor with a psychiatric background, a counsellor, and a therapist, who will be stationed here.”
Hwange District Medical Officer, Dr Fungayi Musinami noted, “This service is crucial for the post-acute phase. After an individual has been treated for an acute episode at the main hospital, they require on-going support to prevent relapse into substance abuse. This is a service that has been lacking in our community, and we are delighted to finally be able to offer it.”
Awareness campaigns, strict sentencing for drug traffickers and increased border patrols are other initiatives being implemented by government to combat drug and substance abuse.
