Mnangagwa urges intensified campaigns against drug abuse during festive season

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the scaling up of efforts to combat drug and substance abuse during the festive season.

Zimbabwe has in recent years witnessed a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, a situation widely attributed to high unemployment levels and prevailing social and economic challenges.

While the police have intensified operations to address the scourge, resulting in thousands of arrests, observers argue that mostly “small fish” have been apprehended, while kingpins continue to operate freely and supply drugs to communities.

During the festive season, when many engage in merry-making, cases of drug and substance abuse tend to increase.

In his Christmas and New Year’s message, Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to shun drug and substance abuse during and beyond the festive period.

“The ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse, which is ravaging the future of our communities, must be scaled up, more so during this festive period,” he wrote.

The President also urged citizens to remain committed to the country’s national vision, which seeks inclusive development.

“As we look to the future, more hard work lies ahead. Let us maintain our shared commitment to our national vision towards a prosperous, inclusive, modernise

and industrialised Zimbabwe, where no one and no place is left behind,” he added.

Mnangagwa further emphasised collective responsibility in nation-building

“We all have an obligation to build a society that is inclusive, just, equitable and prosperous. Under the National Development Strategy- 2 which rolls out in the new year, Vision 2030 and the Zimbabwe we all want, must become a reality. In our individual and collective capacities, let us also remain vigilant as we consolidate unity, peace and social cohesion.”

He also warned the commuting public to exercise caution on the country’s roads during the holiday period.

“As we break for Christmas and New Year holidays, law enforcement agencies and the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, among other stakeholders are urged to continue on high alert.

“The commuting public should equally exercise extreme caution on the roads

Together, let us take the necessary responsibility to guarantee safety on our roads to curb injuries, loss of lives as well as damage to infrastructure and property.”

According to government statistics, Zimbabwe records about 40,000 road traffic accidents annually mainly due to negligence and reckless driving. — _*NewZimbabwe*_