Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
MASHONALAND West province has moved to bolster interventions against drug and substance abuse through raising funds to operationalise strategic pillars, including harm reduction and cutting the supply chain.
The provincial technical committee led by Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo has met with investors in mining to map out ways to raise resources for the construction of rehabilitation centres.
District Development Coordinators (DDC) will coordinate the fundraising initiatives in the province.
The Government has received overwhelming support from more than 100 companies undertaking mining activities in the province.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said resources were being mobilised to support the Harm Reduction Pillar.
“With two borders in the province, namely Chirundu and Kariba, it is important that they are well resourced to be able to plug inflows of illicit drugs,” she said.
“We need to have public rehabilitation centres in the province. Currently, we only have private ones, which are not affordable for the general public. As the Government, we need the support of the private sector and mining should play a major role.”
Minister Chombo said the plan was to have a rehabilitation centre in each of the 14 local authorities in the province.
The development, she said, was in support of the First Family’s intervention and initiatives in tackling drug and substance abuse.
“Alone as the Government, we cannot deal with the scourge. We need the support of the private sector and mining is a major player in the province’s economy,” she said.
“The First Lady (Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa) and His Excellency, President Mnangagwa have set the ball rolling and we need to play our part.
Brampo Quarry Mining Company representative Mr Brian Bangira said the private sector was ready to support Government initiatives to end the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“We always stand ready with our Chinese partners in mining to support Government initiatives being spearheaded by the Minister of State,” said Mr Bangira.
Peter Tanyanyiwa