Gweru based property developer, River Valley Group of Companies, has donated a stand for the construction of a drug rehabilitation centre and fuel to help police-led awareness campaigns in Shurugwi district.
Speaking as guest speaker at a crime awareness campaign held in Shurugwi, River Valley Group chief executive, Smelly Dube, said the fight against drug and substance abuse was a national disaster that required concerted effort from all stakeholders.
“As River Valley Group of Companies we are donating a stand in Magakooshla where a rehabilitation centre will be constructed,” Dube said.
“We are also giving 1000 litres of fuel to support police led awareness campaigns targeting communities across the (Shurugwi) district.
“I am reliably informed that Shurugwi records about 150 drug related criminal cases every month and these include assault, murder, domestic violence, child marriages and rape.
“The fight against this scourge needs everyone, parents, community leaders and law enforcement agencies to join hands.”
She urged parents and elders to give a listening ear to children and guide them through shared wisdom as well as reporting suspicious activities.
“Enough is enough, we should fight this drug and substance menace in Shurugwi,”,she said.
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“Let us guide our youths to make informed choices, avoid peer pressure and seek help if struggling with addiction.”
Gweru rural district police officer commanding Superintendent Shandirai Munemo, said drug and substance abuse has become one of the most pressing threats to communities.
He expressed concern over cases of school drop outs due to child pregnancies in the district.
“Policing is not just about enforcement, but also about prevention, partnership and participation,” Munemo said.
“This campaign promotes awareness driven and people centred solutions that strengthen families and communities.
“Child marriage is not a tradition worth preserving. It is a tragedy that must be stopped.”
Munemo said the drug menace continued to rob communities of potential, break families and fuel crime.
“Our records are showing that drugs and substance abuse and cases of child marriages are becoming a problem in Shurugwi,”he said.
He said police were committed to working with the community to build a safer and healthier living environment.
