Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
THE construction of a 700-bed Presidential High-Capacity Drug Rehabilitation Centre model is set to commence and is earmarked for replication in all the 10 provinces of the country in a bid to help those affected by drug and substance abuse, Cabinet has said.
This was said in a Post Cabinet Briefing this Tuesday afternoon where Cabinet received an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response which was presented by the Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse Response.
The plan for the high-density rehabilitation centre follows a benchmarking exercise that was conducted at the Angel of Hope Foundation.
“The centre will integrate clinical treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational empowerment, agriculture, sport and recreation and community reintegration on approximately 20 hectares,” reads the briefing.
Zimbabwe is currently facing a shortage of public rehabilitation centres across the country while cases of drug and substance abuse continue to be reported.
Government noted that the demand for treatment, rehabilitation, psycho-social support and empowerment initiatives continues to increase, demanding Whole-of-Government and Whole-of Society collaboration to fight Drug and Substance Abuse in our communities.
Furthermore, they said mechanisms to fight Drug and Substance Abuse will continue to be intensified and that any business found in violation, will face the full wrath of the law.
A comprehensive Report covering the period 1 June to 19 September, 2026 and focused on interventions that were undertaken across the seven pillars of the Multi-Sectoral National Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030).
“The nation is informed that Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, enforcement, surveillance, and destruction of identified drug bases and public awareness campaigns were intensified across all provinces. A total of 3 839 persons were arrested and referred to court, with 2 706 being below 35 years. A total 73 drug bases were destroyed while 171 awareness campaigns were conducted,” reads the Cabinet briefing.
Harare had the highest number of accused persons with 5 685, followed by Bulawayo with 1 022, while Midlands reported the lowest number of 296.
“The Nation is informed that various drugs and substances valued over Zig 26 734 707 were recovered and these included Crystal Methamphetamine, cocaine, and dagga. Furthermore, a total of 1 032 accused persons were fined, 461 imprisoned for various periods, with some getting sentences of up to 15 years.
“The Zimbabwe Medicine Control Authority of Zimbabwe conducted 285 inspections across the country leading to 50 violations being referred to court,” it read.
Meanwhile, the Government said it will continue to strengthen systems through training and the Whole-of-Government Approach.
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