Stakeholders urged to curb drug abuse at Kadhani Business Centre

Staff writer

Villagers and other stakeholders have raised concern over what they call ‘ rampant increase’ in drug and alcohol abuse by the youths at Kadhani business centre in Mhondoro district.
Stakeholders who spoke to The Blast said there was need for a massive community awareness campaign at the business centre and initiate self help projects to assist the idile youths.
“The main challenge we have at Kadhani business centre is that of shocking drugs and alcohol abuse by our youths who at times engage in violent fist fights,”said Regedzai Mushunje, a local villager.
“Its true that we have over the years withessed an increase in drugs and alcohol abuse in our area.While i dont condone the behaviour of the youth, i think government should fix the economy so that the youths will have some employment or come up with programmes to empower them so that they are always occupied and shun drugs,” added Mervyn Chibikira, another villager.
Other stakeholders said there was need for a massive awareness campaigns to educate the youths on the dangers of drug abuse.
“The onus is on us the community to take the bull by its horns and tackle this problem that has affected our community.
The police, the church and the local leadership must take lead by embarking on awareness campaigns teaching the youths on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse before the situation goes out of hand.Due to this problem, the area has withessed a rise in crime cases,”said a villager who requested anonymity.

Drug and substance abuse (DSA) is a growing threat to the nation’s health, security, economy and social stability. In April 2024, Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030. The plan provides strategic direction to the nation’s response to the drug and substance abuse challenge and ensures that all communities, families and individuals are fully supported.