Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
MORE than 100 street dwellers were taken into care facilities following an early morning operation conducted by Harare municipal police on Tuesday.
The operation targeted individuals living in the Central Business District (CBD) as part of efforts to restore order.
“Yesterday, Harare Metropolitan police conducted an early morning operation, rounding up over 100 street dwellers as part of efforts to restore order in the CBD,” the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said in a statement.
“The exercise included adults and minors, with children set to be placed in registered care facilities.”
Local authorities cited increasing concerns over drug abuse among street dwellers, as well as public health and safety risks in the city centre.
“Authorities raised concern over drug abuse and growing public health risks such as poor sanitation and theft,” reads the statement.
“Officials emphasised the need for detoxification, stronger by-law enforcement and dedicated rehabilitation centres.”
The operation forms part of ongoing measures by authorities to address urban challenges in Harare’s CBD.
