‘There’s need to address root cause of drug abuse and support the affected’

Midlands Bureau

THE drug and substance abuse scourge has become a national security threat that is destroying people, families, communities, and the future of the nation, Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe legislator Cde Jacob Chokururama has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Midlands Youth Quota representative, Cde Rutendo Mpofu at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) sports gala, which coincided with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Mvuma yesterday, he said the gala was being held to raise awareness and combat the problem of drug and substance abuse, which has become a menace in the community.

Cde Chokururama said it is imperative to highlight the need for an effective and efficient response to drug and substance abuse which has become a national security threat.

“There is a need for a continued multi-sectorial approach as we need to address the root cause of drug abuse and support the affected individuals, families, and communities,” he said.

The legislator said most gender-based violence offences are attributed to drug and substance abuse. “Our constituency Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe has not been spared by this menace with many youths struggling with addiction.

I acknowledge the devastating effects of drugs and substance abuse among them, increased risk of mental health disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, death from overdose, cycles of poverty, violence and exploitation,” said Cde Chokururama.

He commended the Government for the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act and Criminal Law (Codification and Reform).

Last year, President Mnangagwa set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse to tackle the menace. Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri chairs the committee and is deputised by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.

Cabinet has since approved the principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill.
The Bill paves the way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and Specialised Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency.

The agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as co-ordinating efforts of other support services.

“I encourage continued interaction and collaboration among authorities, civil societies and churches in addressing the social determinants of drug abuse,” said Cde Chokururama.

The sports gala which was held under the theme: “Fighting Gender-Based Violence, Drug and Substance Abuse through Sports”, was a follow-up to recent launch of the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030) by President Mnangagwa.

Cde Chokururama commended ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu and the Officer Commanding ZPCS Midlands Province Commissioner Somemore Gate for organising the sporting initiative.

“The unity of purpose that has been exhibited by ZPCS in tackling the menace cannot be underscored,” he said.
Community teams from Chirumhanzu District joined officers from Whawha Medium Prison Complex to participate in the sports gala and awareness campaign at Mvuma Government Primary School.