BY NALEDI DUBE
Residents in Masvingo have expressed concern over the growing impact of drug and substance abuse. The majority of residents dashed to give their input during public consultations on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control that was recently held together with the Enforcement Agency Bill as well as the Biological and Toxins Weapons Crimes Bill.
The consultative meeting, held yesterday at the Civic Centre in Masvingo, was conducted by the Joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services; Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training together with the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans, Honourable Exevia Maoneke, said drug and substance abuse has become both a national security threat and a public health concern.
He said the proposed National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill outlines how the agency will operate in coordinating efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The bill proposes the establishment of an agency that will bring together professionals from different sectors to strengthen prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and community awareness programmes.
During the meeting, residents raised concern over porous borders which they said are enabling the illegal movement of drugs into the country. Ward 10 Councillor Sengerai Manyanga said everyone should play a role in curbing drug and substance abuse. He also called for the protection of whistle-blowers so that community members can safely report drug dealers and trafficking networks.
Masvingo Women’s Forum leader, Sungano Zvarebwanashe, said drug lords and those who sell drugs should face life imprisonment, adding that stiff penalties would help deter the crime. She also suggested that those nabbed buying drugs should be given an effective sentence of 10 years in prison.
Director for Disability Amalgamation Community Trust, Henry Chivhanga, said the proposed legislation should be disability-inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members of the society.
Youth representative member for Masvingo, Tinashe Moyo, said drug abuse is affecting the future of many young people. He said many youths are dropping out of school and engaging in criminal activities due to drug abuse, adding that the establishment of recreational facilities would help keep young people occupied and reduce substance abuse.
Residents also suggested that authorities should acquire equipment to test artists for drug use, noting that substance abuse is becoming a concern in the arts sector. Participants further urged Parliament to take the consultative meetings to rural areas so that people in the remote communities can also contribute their views. The consultations form part of the nationwide efforts to gather public input before the proposed bills are debated in the Parliament.