Stakeholders Engage in Sanyati Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign
By Admire Chitsungo
Government has intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through an awareness engagement programme targeting traditional leaders, church leaders and heads of government departments in Sanyati District.
The engagement programme, held at Jameson High School, brought together chiefs, church elders and district stakeholders to discuss strategies for curbing the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in communities.
Speaking during the programme, Acting Deputy Director in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution(Mashonaland West), Mr Tichaona Chiwiro, said the campaign seeks to empower community leaders to spread anti-drug messages at grassroots level.
“We are engaging chiefs and other stakeholders so that they can cascade the message on the dangers of drug and substance abuse in their communities. We started this programme last week in Kariba Rural, where we delivered the same message on drug abuse,” he said.
Mr Chiwiro said the programme would also include ball games at Jameson High School to provide an interactive platform for learners and community members to discuss the dangers associated with drug abuse.
He added that Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, is expected to conclude the programme on Friday by addressing all stakeholders.
Detective Sergeant Tungwarara from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics Unit in Mashonaland West warned of the devastating effects of drug abuse and called on communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies.
“Drug peddlers are using various tricks to transport illicit substances and, in some cases, attempt to rope in members of the security forces. By working together and providing tip-offs, we can arrest the offenders and win the war against drugs,” he said.
Sanyati Rural District Council chairperson Mr Stanford Chaombezvi commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for spearheading the anti-drug abuse campaign, saying cases of violence linked to substance abuse were increasing.
“We are witnessing an increase in cases of murder associated with drug abuse. In our rural areas, we are seeing the abuse of substances such as ‘Tumbwa’, and it is high time we spread the message before dangerous drugs like cocaine find their way into our communities,” he said.
The engagement programme forms part of the Government’s nationwide campaign aimed at mobilising communities to tackle drug and substance abuse and safeguard the future of young people.
