Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
HUNDREDS of secondary school learners have converged today at Chinhoyi Technical High School for a sports gala aimed at fighting drug and substance abuse.
The gala was organised by Chinhoyi Municipality.
National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also Defence Minister, has indicated that the Government is deepening the fight against the scourge, with test kits set to be imported from next week.
The kits will be deployed to clinics, hospitals and police posts so that those in need can get assistance.
Speaking at the start of today’s sports gala in the morning, Chinhoyi Mayor Councillor Owen Charuza said the gala would be held every quarter.
The local authority has also provided sports kits for various disciplines as it complements Government’s efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Child President Lionel Mazarura, who is also a learner at Chinhoyi Tech High School, commended the municipality for the sports gala.
“President Mnangagwa is calling on the youths to play their part in the drug and substance abuse fight. The council’s initiative will help us to achieve that,” he said.
Today’s event was also attended by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, who challenged young people to shun drugs.
“Zimbabwe can only develop if you stop taking drugs. Let’s work together to fight the scourge,” she said.
She called on other councils to emulate Chinhoyi’s initiative.
Some of the sporting disciplines include soccer, volleyball, netball, chess and tennis.
