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Zimbabwe’s drug, alcohol abuse problem under Covid-19

Published

3 years ago

August 14, 2021

BY ZIMFACT

Drug and alcohol abuse among Zimbabwean youth is rising, according to government and public health experts who say this increase has coincided with measures aimed at controlling the spread of Covid-19.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Zimbabwe government and some civic society organisations have launched public awareness programmes on the problem, worsening under national lockdowns, restrictions on travel and public gatherings, closure of schools and a ban on sports activities.

The following are some of the facts and findings around alcohol and drug abuse:

· A Zimbabwe National Drug Masterplan which the government unveiled in April this year identifies alcohol and drug abuse as one of the top causes of mental health problems in all the country’s 10 provinces.

· Zimbabwe has the highest number of 15 to 19-year-olds in Africa who engage in heavy “episodic drinking”, at 70.7 % among males and 55.5 % among females, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report entitled “Mental health among young people in the African Region.”

WHO defines heavy episodic drinking as the consumption of at least 60 grammes or more of alcohol on at least one occasion in 30 days, which is six pints at a single sitting.

The Harare-based World Health Organisation (WHO) regional advisor on mental health and substance abuse, Florence Kamayonza, warned that heavy drinking needs to be checked to help manage the dangers of rising mental health and alcohol use disorders.

Launched the Special Initiative on Mental Health on July 21, Health and Child Care minister, Vice President Constantine Chiwenga, warned that Zimbabwe faced the risk of a decline in the quality of life of the youth from the impact of alcohol and drug abuse.

He said “a large proportion of people” were hooked on alcohol and substances like cocaine and crystal meth.

A global survey by the International Society of Addiction Medicines (ISAM) says that many countries are struggling with rising numbers of people abusing drugs as Covid-19 continues to ravage economies, decimate livelihoods and badly alter lifestyles.

Under Covid-19, Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp rise in the abuse of methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant commonly known in the country as “crystal meth” or “ mutoriro”, which affects the nervous system and generally leaves addicts in a wooden state of stupor.

In its 2020 world report, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime notes that “rising unemployment and lack of opportunities will make it more likely that poor and disadvantaged people engage in harmful patterns of drug use, suffer drug use disorders and turn to illicit activities linked to drugs – either production or transport.”

With governments and parents less able to respond to problem, strong drug abuse cultures are likely to grow strong roots in communities, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime report.

Hwange

Victoria Falls City Council meeting aborted due to lack of quorum

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A full council meeting scheduled to take place at the Victoria Falls City Council today was aborted due to a lack of quorum.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was fast forward to today in the wake of reports of confusion at Town House.

The meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube who was suspended two weeks ago on corruption allegations.

It was further reported that it was also to rescind the Housing Director Brian Nyamande.

However, only five councillors attended, falling short of the required six to form a quorum.

According to Mayor Tuso Moyo, the meeting was urgent, but the lack of quorum prevented any progress.

However, residents’ associations disputed this agenda, stating that the meeting was against the will of the residents and that they were expecting it to take place on Thursday.

Hwange District Residents Association and Victoria Falls Combined Residents’ Association representatives and a few residents were gathered outside the boardroom, awaiting the outcome of the meeting.

The suspension of Dube has sparked controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability.

The aborted meeting has only added to the uncertainty, leaving many questions unanswered, HWANDRA chair, Hebert Ncube said after the meeting.

“We also gather that the minister, Daniel Garwe, has summoned the two and the mayor, deputy mayor to Harare tomorrow where they just came from again last week. There is so much pressure to rescind the suspension of Dube, but we are saying, he should come here and talk to the people and let justice handle this, then he can be rescinded.”

Hwange

Hwange Local Board cracks down on overdue license fees

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange Local Board has issued a stern warning to business owners with overdue license fees, stating that trading licenses for the 2025 license year will not be renewed for commercial properties with outstanding accounts.

According to a notice issued by Acting Town Secretary Mr. Paul Mabhureni, “Hwange Local Board would like to advise the business community that we will not renew trading licenses for the license year 2025 to all commercial properties whose accounts are in arrears.”

The notice further states that “The Business License Renewal period for the license year 2025 commenced in November 2024 and ends on 31 December 2024.”

Additionally, the notice reminds business owners that, “In terms of the Shop Licences Act Chapter 14.17, no person shall in any shop, store or other fixed place of business, carry on the trade or business of selling or letting for hire any goods except in terms of a shop licence.”

Business owners who fail to renew their licenses within the stipulated timeframe will face penalties, including a fine of one-twelfth of the appropriate license fee for each month or part thereof that has elapsed since their liability arose.

The notice concludes by advising business owners to ensure that their premises are inspected prior to renewing their trading licenses, and urging cooperation in settling outstanding accounts to avoid disruptions to their operations.

National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

Published

2 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.