Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
STAKEHOLDERS from Government departments, agencies and the private sector in Mashonaland West have been meeting in Karoi for a two-day Social Development Forum to review key social challenges affecting communities in the province.
The forum, which ended on Thursday, was coordinated by the National Aids Council was focusing on drug and substance abuse, HIV and Aids, child marriage, and strategies to strengthen devolution awareness.
Participants also deliberated on disability inclusion and gender equity, with emphasis on ensuring the participation of marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, women and youths, in social and economic development.
In her welcoming remarks, delivered on her behalf on Wednesday by her permanent secretary Mr Joesphat Jaji, Mashonaland West provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said the forum was also to assess the province’s preparedness to respond to disasters and emergencies, drawing lessons from the recent Kariba ferry disaster, which claimed 97 lives, as well as several road accidents recorded in the province.
Minister Chombo said the forum came at a time when Mashonaland West, like the rest of the country, was confronted with a range of social development challenges requiring a coordinated, inclusive and people-centred response.
“The purpose of our gathering is therefore not simply to deliberate on challenges. We are here to identify practical solutions, strengthen coordination, share experiences and develop clear actions that will improve the welfare and quality of life of our people,” she said.
She said the forum was also expected to harness the collective expertise of stakeholders to ensure that no individual or community was left behind in the country’s development trajectory towards Vision 2030.
On drug and substance abuse, Minister Chombo said the province was exploring ways of raising awareness while also creating opportunities for affected youths to engage in income-generating projects and access vocational and technical skills.
She said idleness was among the factors contributing to some youths becoming involved in drug and substance abuse, hence the need to provide them with skills and economic opportunities.
Minister Chombo also said the province needed to strengthen its emergency preparedness ahead of major events, including the hosting of the Zanu PF 23rd National People’s Conference next month and the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in 2027.
“Despite limited resources, we should be able to provide services to whoever needs them. In times of distress like road accidents, our teams should be in place and ready to save lives,” she said.
On Thursday, the forum focused on civil protection, road safety and emergency response, with stakeholders expected to discuss measures to strengthen preparedness and prevent the recurrence of accidents and disasters.
