By Savious Madanhire
The Kwekwe City Council (KCC) has established a drug and rehabilitation center in Amaveni, as part of efforts to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse in the city.
The facility which was converted from a disused beer hall, was funded through devolution funds and the council’s revenue at a cost of over USD$83,000, boasts of counseling facilities, outpatient services and a temporary testing holding facility, providing comprehensive care to those struggling with addiction.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Midlands, Hon Owen Ncube said during a tour of the facility that the emergency of drug and substance abuse in the nation is a threat to development.
“His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa established a Cabinet committee on drug and substance abuse mitigation and launched the Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Abuse Action Plan (2024-2030) in June 2024 which provides a comprehensive road map underpinned by the whole of government, society, and economic approach in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” said the minister.
He hailed the center as a significant step forward in addressing the growing issue of drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
“In Amaveni there is too much Ganja cake hence I commend the Kwekwe city council for taking the lead in the fight against drug and substance abuse through conversation of a deceased beer Hall into a state-of-the-art drug and substance abuse mitigation rehabilitation center funded through devolution funds and own revenue.”
“I thank His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for his support through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, for food, drug,s and financial support availed to Amaveni drug and rehabilitation center.”
The center is staffed by trained healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and psychologists to help with professional care to people using drugs and substances in Kwekwe which is one of the Midlands hotspots, currently, reports of arrests and prosecution of drug barons in Mbizo 9 and Amaveni were declined.
Phase one has been completed, including a counseling facility, outpatient services, and a temporary test-holding facility. Therefore, phase two, which includes dormitories and many other renovations, is awaiting completion.
The establishment of the Amaveni Drug and Rehabilitation Center is a significant step forward in the fight against drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
As the center begins its work, it is clear that it will play a vital role in supporting those affected by addiction and helping to build a healthier, safer community.
