Govt plans to revive youth centres in fight against drug abuse
Thandeka Matebesi
Cabinet has announced plans to revive youth centres and programmes, a move meant to curb drug and substance abuse among the youth.
In the latest post-Cabinet briefing, the Government said it has resolved to adequately equip youth training centres and revive the broader National Youth Service Programme in order to develop youths into productive citizens.
“Youths empowerment will be enhanced through information communication technology (ICT) skills training, among other essential skills that are essential in running projects for self and household sustenance.”
According to the statement, Cabinet has also resolved to elevate the matter on drugs and substance abuse to a National Committee which will involve other stakeholders, whose composition and terms of reference will soon be made public.
Speaking in Parliament recently, Lindiwe Maphosa, a Gwanda MP urged government to come up with a law which clearly spells out the jail sentence for drug traffickers and peddlers in order to deter would-be offenders.
“Let’s come up with a law that will look into drug trafficking and peddling…I am urging authorities to declare that if a person is caught peddling or trafficking drugs they should be convicted and sentenced based on a mandatory sentence just like rape and cattle rustling,” said Maphosa.
Speaking on the same platform, Member of Parliament for Bulawayo Central Nicola Watson echoed Honourable Maphosa’s sentiments. She said the drug menace could only be dealt with through statutory instruments.
“I think that although we are seeing the problem now, it has been mushrooming in Zimbabwe for some time. We have to stop drug suppliers and in order to do that we need implementation through statutory instruments, committees and talking then we need to implement resolutions”, she said.
More than 6 000 people have so far been arrested in connection with drug trafficking and peddling countrywide.
“The nation is further being informed that dangerous drug and substance suppliers will be tracked down and prosecuted, with deterrent sentences set to be introduced,” said the government.
