THE establishment of rehabilitation centres for drug and illegal substance abusers in Harare has intensified, with some nearing full operational status.
According to available statistics, a majority of drug abusers are now presenting with mental illnesses, with many admitted at psychiatric hospitals.
Idleness because of joblessness as well as peer pressure is cited as the main reason the majority of the youth turning to drugs to escape daily troubles.
Yesterday, Harare Metropolitan Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tavengwa, accompanied by members of the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, conducted a progress tour of several rehabilitation sites.
The team visited Tendai Ward, at the Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital, Matapi Community Hall, Tsiga Grounds, Highfield Community Hall and Kambuzuma Hall.
“We have made progress at Wilkins Centre, but there are still some final touch-ups required,” Tavengwa said.
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“With further increase in the injection of funds and a few more adjustments, we can have this centre fully operational in the next two to three months.”
Harare metropolitan province acting mental health officer Betty Zeffaniah said some centres were already partially operational, with staff being deployed in stages.
“Some centres have already started offering services and our focus is now on fully equipping the remaining sites,” she said.
“We are collaborating with local hospitals and authorities to ensure staff is in place and we are also securing resources such as medicine and food supplies to keep the centres running.”
The establishment of the rehabilitation centres is part of Zimbabwe’s Multi-sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa earlier this year.
Mnangagwa has called for stiffer penalties against cartels behind the illegal drug and substance trade.