Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS in Manicaland demonstrated unity of purpose yesterday (Thursday), by raising US$620 000 during the provincial Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Resource Mobilisation, in a positive move expected to ameliorate the fight against the scourge.
The funds, pledged by various stakeholders, including business executives, companies, local authorities, religious organisations, traditional leaders, legislators, and private individuals, are expected to streamline operations against substance abuse in the province.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, applauded the stakeholders for the generous donations towards a worthy cause.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the funds will go a long way in acquiring resources to fight the pervasive scourge.
“This vice has reached endemic proportions in our country, and has birthed a number of undesirable outcomes that are negatively impacting the socio-economic development of our country. This state-of-affairs calls upon all responsible authorities and stakeholders to work together under the collaborative whole-of-society framework provided for by the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), which was launched by President Mnangagwa last year.
“One key way we can work together to realise the desired curtailing of drug and substance abuse is through the collective mobilisation of resources. These resources are needed to support initiatives against drug and substance abuse carried out by various pillars that have been constituted by the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Plan. These activities include among others awareness raising interventions to foster positive behaviour change, policing initiatives, the provision of rehabilitation facilities and services, and community reintegration support for survivors of drug and substance abuse.
“The continued growth of the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe has been hitting hard the pursuance and realisation of Government’s socio-economic development plans. As such communities and families across the country are being steadily afflicted, leading to breakdown and dysfunction,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Minister State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province has initiated various interventions to curb proliferation of drug hubs and abuse.
Manicaland is being used as a conduit and a destination for smuggled illicit drugs, leading to a sharp increase in local consumption and peddling of narcotics even among schoolchildren.
“We have seen numerous joint operations by law enforcement agencies resulting in the arrest of many offenders and destructions of drug bases. We have also conducted extensive awareness campaigns in schools and communities sensitising our youths and families about the dangers of drugs.
However, despite these commendable efforts, significant challenges remain,” said Minister Mugadza.
He also thanked the people of Manicaland for the generous donations towards the anti-drug campaign.
