Staff Reporter
The Kwekwe Drug Rehabilitation Centre is set to undergo a major expansion as part of the Government’s intensified efforts to address the rising drug and substance abuse epidemic in Zimbabwe.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Technical Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, aims to enhance the centre’s capacity to offer long-term residential treatment for individuals battling addiction.
During a site visit to the Kwekwe facility last Friday, a representative of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Sarah Moyo, stressed the urgent need for improved rehabilitation infrastructure to combat the alarming increase in drug abuse, especially among the youth.
“We are seeing an alarming increase in drug and substance abuse cases, particularly among the youth. Expanding Kwekwe Drug Rehabilitation Centre will provide much-needed long-term care for individuals struggling with addiction. This facility will allow patients to undergo detoxification and receive the rehabilitation they need to reintegrate into society,” said Dr. Moyo.
The expansion project will introduce residential services, allowing patients to remain on site for the entirety of their treatment periods, a move expected to significantly boost recovery rates by creating a stable and supportive environment conducive to long-term healing.
Chairman of the National Technical Committee, Tendai Mukweva, highlighted the limitations of outpatient services for severe addiction cases and the importance of the planned long-stay facility.
“Outpatient services, while effective, are not enough to address severe cases of addiction. The establishment of a long-stay residential facility will offer a more holistic approach, ensuring patients receive continuous care and supervision throughout their recovery journey,” said Mukweva.
Kwekwe City Council Mayor Judith Chisvo, welcomed the development and expressed gratitude for the government’s support.
“We are grateful that Kwekwe has been identified for this critical project. This expansion will not only benefit our city but also surrounding areas that lack such specialized facilities,” Chisvo said.
The expansion, set to begin in early 2025, aligns with the Government’s national policy on drug control, which seeks to improve access to rehabilitation services, particularly for vulnerable groups.
As Zimbabwe grapples with an escalating drug crisis, the expansion of the Kwekwe Drug Rehabilitation Centre represents a critical step toward providing effective treatment and support for those affected by addiction across the country.
