Byo’s Cowdray Park Drug Rehab Centre prooject stalls as NGO pulls out

By Mbekezeli Ncube

The construction of a drug rehabilitation center in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park has hit a snag after the non-governmental organization (NGO) that had pledged to assist with resources pulled out due to lack of funds.

According to Paul Nyoni, the Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary, Rechabites, the local trust that had initially proposed the project, has backed out of the agreement.

He said the organization had requested land from the council, which was allocated, but later claimed they were unable to finance the construction.

As a result, the government has decided to take over the project and construct the rehabilitation center on its own.

“We have recommended that the land be utilized for a drug rehabilitation center, and the government of Zimbabwe will be the lead implementer,” Nyoni said.

While no timelines have been given, Nyoni assured that progress would be communicated to the media through stakeholders as soon as key decisions are made.

The project’s delay has been attributed to Rechabites’ failure to deploy resources, despite an earlier groundbreaking ceremony where they had offered to assist with materials.

Mthandazo Ndlovu, executive director of Rechabites was not reachable for comment as his phone kept ringing without any response.

The government had announced plans to construct a rehabilitation center in Cowdray Park last July, amidst a growing concern over drug and substance abuse in the country.

With few public drug rehabilitation centers and expensive private options, the need for accessible facilities has become increasingly urgent.

Ingutsheni, the country’s largest psychiatric referral hospital, has reported a significant increase in drug-related admissions, with plans to establish a drug addict rehabilitation center on its premises.

Mthandazo Ndlovu, executive director of Rechabites was not reachable for comment as his phone kept ringing without any response.