Govt Acknowledges Not Establishing Rehabilitation Centres.
Government has admitted that no rehabilitation facilities have been established, three years before the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan lapses.
The rehabilitation facilities are meant to cater for the treatment and rehabilitation of substance users and abusers.
Experts have attributed the rise in drug use among young people to rising unemployment and lack of opportunities.
In response to the surging cases, The Zimbabwe National Drug Master plan was launched last year.
The Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan which runs from 2020 to 2025 was approved by the cabinet in September last year.
The master plan concentrates on strengthening educating users about the effects of drugs.
During question and answer in parliament last Tuesday, Mwenezi West legislator Hon Priscilla Moyo inquired about the government’s plans in dealing with mental health issues that are caused by drug abuse.
“My question is that in our constituencies, we have a lot of mental cases as a result of abuse of drugs by young people.
“What is the Government planning to do regarding the construction of shelters for rehabilitation of such people?
“This is a serious issue which our people are facing,” Moyo said.
Deputy Minister’s Response
Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Hon Matuke acknowledged the issues. However, it has emerged that establishment of centres is still a long way off.
“We do not have rehabilitation centres for now where we will be able to rehabilitate these young people.
“The most important thing that we are doing is the different campaigns where we educate people about the effects of drug abuse.
“Most young people are showing interest in the discourse and some have shown remorse over drug abuse.
The deputy minister added that stifling the supply chain was also important in the fight against drug abuse.
“The last thing that I want us to address is the source.
“We need to identify the source, those who supply drugs to these young people.
“We are investigating such people; those who sell mutoriro and other illicit brews which are affecting the psychological state of many people.,” Mattuke said.
However, Norton legislator Hon Temba Mliswa requested the minister to issue a ministerial statement.
Govt Acknowledges Not Establishing Rehabilitation Centres.
