By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – Members of Parliament have expressed concern over the growing drug and substance abuse crisis among Zimbabwean youth, with MPs calling for urgent action to expand public rehabilitation centres and curb the proliferation of narcotics in communities.
Raising the issue during question time, Chakari Legislator, Honourable Andrew Nkani, asked government’s response in light of the alarming rate at which drugs and substance is growing in the country.
“The increasing number of youths abusing dangerous drugs is alarming, yet rehabilitation centres are too expensive for ordinary Zimbabweans.
“What is the Government doing to make rehabilitation more accessible?” He asked.
In response, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, admitted the gravity of the problem but clarified that existing efforts were already underway.
“Government is seized with this issue and we are addressing it through a national task force,” said Ziyambi, adding that, “we’re focusing on harm reduction, supply control, and rehabilitation, but operational aspects like costs are not policy matters per se.”
MPs pressed for specifics, citing mounting evidence of families failing to afford assistance for addicted loved ones.
Harare Central Legislator, Honourable Lovemore Jimu said the drug scourge in the country is a threat to an entire generation, and immediate action is needed.
“This is more than just operational, it’s a social emergency. If we do not act now, we risk losing an entire generation,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi promised to consult with the task force for more detailed updates, urging MPs to be patient.
“Give us a little more time as comprehensive strategies are being finalised,” he said.
Zimbabwe is currently grappling with the drug and substance abuse crisis, particularly among the youth.
Research estimates that over 50% of Zimbabwe’s youth population abuses drugs.
A concerning trend is the abuse of prescription drugs, homemade intoxicating substances and ingestion of drug-laced foods.
Acute socio-economic challenges and porous borders have exacerbated the problem in Zimbabwe as Zimbabwe Republic Police efforts of late have seen the arrest of several drug dealers and smugglers, but the war is far from over.
The government has declared drug abuse a national disaster and set up an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the issue.
Rehabilitation centers in the country currently have a limited capacity of holding approximately 5000 people being treated for drug and substance abuse at any given time, and very limited detox centres.
