Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in CHIRUNDU
THE Government has taken its anti-drug and substance abuse campaign to Chirundu Border Post, targeting one of Zimbabwe’s busiest ports of entry amid concerns that traffickers are using border crossings to smuggle illicit substances into the country.
The Mashonaland West Provincial Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Steering Committee this week launched a community awareness and sensitisation campaign in the border town, reaching out to residents, schoolchildren, transport operators and local organisations to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
In remarks read on her behalf by deputy director in her office, Mr Temproast Musemwa, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said the Government was strengthening partnerships with stakeholders to curb drug and substance abuse and protect communities.
Mashonaland West Provincial Director for Social Development, Agnes Mutowo said taking the campaign to Chirundu was a deliberate move to strengthen prevention at one of the country’s key entry points.
“This is a great move because we are targeting border towns in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” she said. “Chirundu is an important entry point, and it is critical that communities here are equipped with knowledge to identify, reject and report drug-related activities.”
Residents in the border town said the campaign would go a long way in raising awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Mrs Jesina Kupara said the initiative had broadened their understanding of the drug problem.
“We believe that a border town such as ours plays a major role on the supply side of the drugs and any campaign will helps reduce inflows,” she said.
High movement at Chirundu and other ports of entry have helped traffickers bring in drugs and other harmful substances into the country.
The Provincial Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Steering Committee has been undertaking awareness campaigns across the seven districts of Mashonaland West as the Government intensifies efforts to curb drug trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.
