GOVERNMENT has called for collective action on drug and substance abuse as the crisis continues to escalate across the country.
Speaking during an anti-drug and substance abuse campaign this week, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tawengwa said the epidemic was not a distant problem, but a pervasive threat within homes, schools and communities, demanding a united front from government, parents, civil society and youths alike.
He said the scourge was also threatening the very foundations of families, community health and the future of the nation, adding that no one could afford to ignore the signs or remain complacent.
“When a young person chooses drugs over education, dreams are shattered. When a father or mother succumbs to addiction, families are torn apart. When communities turn a blind eye to the crisis, we allow crime, ill health and despair to flourish,” Tawengwa said.
“Our youth, who are meant to be the architects of our future, are instead becoming victims of this epidemic. But today, we declare enough is enough. Together, we say we will not allow this crisis to define our communities or our children.”
He said the province was committed to turning the tide against the crisis and safeguard the future of Zimbabwe’s young generation.
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“As a province and as chairperson of the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, we will enhance our programmes to intensify awareness campaigns in schools, churches, communities, to educate everyone about the dangers of substance abuse, collaborate with law enforcement to dismantle drug supply chains and networks that poison our neighbourhoods, provide rehabilitation, counselling and support services to victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Harare Mbare ward 4 councillor Boniface Maburutse said monthly awareness campaigns should be held in every ward to combat the growing drug problem, especially targeting learners and sharing real-life testimonies.
“These awareness campaigns should be held every month in every ward, because in places like Mbare the drug problem is becoming very serious,” he said.
“Learners must be properly educated so that they stay away from drugs and they should be invited to attend these programmes so they can hear real testimonies.
“Each time we conduct clean-up campaigns, awareness initiatives should also run alongside them to enlighten our communities.”
Information and publicity committee vice-chairperson and proportional representative councillor for ward 44, Charlotte Mukarati, said the campaign was showing positive results.
“We started this programme after realising that many young people were getting drunk, sleeping on the streets and becoming the main drivers of crime in our communities,” she said.
“When the President declared drug and substance abuse a national crisis, it motivated us to intensify this awareness campaign to help the youth.”
Councillor Womberaiishe Nhende, who was representing Harare mayor Jacob Mafume, said council had allocated the Mbare Stoddart area for the establishment of the Angel of Hope Rehabilitation Centre, which was set to help in the rehabilitation of youths involved in drug and substance abuse.
“We chose Mbare because it is a hotspot for drug and substance abuse, being a hub of economic activity,” he said.
“Through this programme, we are bringing awareness to the very doorstep of our people so that together we can tackle the scourge of drug and substance abuse.”