Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is holding a two-day training workshop in Chinhoyi aimed at equipping its officers with the skills and knowledge to combat drug and substance abuse in Mashonaland West Province.
The inaugural workshop is being attended by ministry officials from across the province, including representatives from all seven districts, and is expected to be rolled out to the country’s remaining nine provinces.
The participants will also help cascade the information to other civil servants and members of the community in the areas they represent.
Officially opening the workshop this morning, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Albert Tawanda Mavunga, warned Government officials against engaging in drug and substance abuse, saying the vice undermines effective public service delivery.
He said Zimbabwe’s development aspirations depended on disciplined, sober and accountable civil servants capable of executing their duties professionally.
“The nature of our duties requires sober minds. They cannot be performed properly by someone who has consumed drugs or alcohol or who is under the influence of any substance,” he said.
“Our roles involve oversight and accountability. In the Ministry, we have artisans, accountants, builders, district development coordinators and many other officers. We support and supervise development activities, handle procedures, approve and verify processes, and provide guidance to local authorities.”
Minister Garwe said impaired judgment resulting from drug and substance abuse affected not only the individual involved but also compromised institutions and the communities they serve.
He said the training programme would empower civil servants to safeguard the integrity of Government institutions, improve service delivery and contribute to building drug-free communities.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, whose speech was read by Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary Mr Josphat Jaji, said the provincial drug and substance abuse taskforce had intensified awareness campaigns across all districts as part of efforts to curb the growing menace.
She said the province remained committed to supporting Government’s whole-of-society approach in addressing drug and substance abuse through prevention, education and rehabilitation initiatives.
The two-day training workshop concludes tomorrow.
