Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
AS efforts to combat the menacing drug and substance abuse crises bedevilling the country escalate, Government has raised US$5 million to establish drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres in every district across the country.
To ensure that the intervention measures are efficient and effective, Cabinet also approved the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, which will establish a dedicated body to coordinate the country’s anti-drug abuse efforts.
Defence Minister, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the chairperson of the National Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse, revealed the development at the Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church’s Passover Conference in Mabiya, Mutare District, last Friday, where she implored traditional, religious, and community leaders to play a more active role in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We have launched a programme to raise funds to combat drug and substance abuse, and so far we have secured US$5 million. The money will be used to establish rehabilitation centres in every district, providing detox and facilities for drug abusers; particularly youths,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She outlined the long-term vision for the district-based centres, which includes reintegrating rehabilitated individuals into their communities through vocational skills development.
A post-rehabilitation component will also provide youths with access to Government-run training programmes under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri outlined a multifaceted approach to address the growing concern of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
“These centres will be used to test and rehabilitate our youths who are falling prey to drug abuse. After completing rehab, they will join youth training programmes where they will learn income-generating skills such as engineering, construction or hairdressing. This is because we want them to have something to do when they leave these centres and after that they will also be assisted with money to start their own projects,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised that Government’s goal extends beyond mere treatment, seeking to transform the lives of the affected individuals.
“We want these youths to return to their communities with purpose and productivity, making a positive impact on the society,” she said, reiterating Government’s commitment to leaving no one and no place behind.
This, she added, underscores the importance of inclusion, support, and rehabilitation.
In a stern warning, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said authorities will take decisive action against drug peddlers and those facilitating the distribution of dangerous substances in the country and communities.
“We will not stand by and watch as these dangerous substances destroy our children. Those caught selling drugs will face prison terms of 15 to 30 years,” she said, confirming that Government has approved the naming and shaming of drug peddlers in the mainstream media as it intensifies the crackdown on drug-related activities.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri painted a grim picture of the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse on families and communities across Zimbabwe.
“The entire nation is burdened by this scourge. Drug and substance abuse is fuelling domestic violence, mental health breakdowns, and criminal behaviour. Alarmingly, drug abuse among children has led to horrific cases of incestuous rape and domestic violence, with fathers abusing their wives while children are assaulting their parents. These abominations are not occurring in distant lands, but rather in our own communities. We cannot tolerate such behaviour, which is why we are decentralising national structures to tackle this issue at the local level. It is happening right here in our communities,” bemoaned Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, while emphasising the need for collective action that engages traditional, religious, and community leaders to curb both the supply and peddling of drugs.
“To combat this crisis, we are collaborating with traditional, religious, and community leaders. We aim to replicate these partnerships at the ward level through development committees, empowering them to tackle both the supply and peddling sides of the drug trade. This will ultimately protect our communities from these destructive substances. We want these structures reflected in ward development committees, working together to protect our youths from falling into addiction,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She challenged every traditional and religious leader to declare zero tolerance to drug and substance abuse in their areas, utilising their local platforms to raise awareness and safeguard vulnerable youths.
Speaking on the new National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said: “The primary purpose of the Bill is to establish a specialised National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency, tasked with enforcing laws related to drug trafficking and substance abuse. This initiative responds to the growing concern of widespread drug peddling, fuelled by organised networks with sophisticated international distribution systems, and the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse.”
He said the social services division of the agency would focus on coordinating access to support services, such as vocational training and rehabilitation programmes, while the enforcement division would be tasked with implementing enforcement strategies, leading anti-drug enforcement operations, and overseeing compliance with anti-drug laws and regulations.
“Furthermore, the Bill updates the definition of dangerous drugs to encompass a broader range of harmful substances, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to addressing the menace,” he said.
The Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church pledged its unwavering support for Government’s crusade against drug and substance abuse, vowing to contribute through spiritual guidance and moral education.
The church’s secretary general, Dr Aram Gwiza, said: “We wholeheartedly endorse Government’s drive and concerted efforts to eradicate drug and substance abuse. As a church, we commit to leverage our spiritual authority and developmental platforms to steer our youths away from destructive behaviour, and move towards resilience, productivity, and divine purpose.”
Dr Gwiza said this endeavour aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place, and the church’s mandate to promote the well-being of its congregation and the broader community.
The post US$5m for drug rehab centres appeared first on herald.
The post US$5m for drug rehab centres appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.