Wallace Ruzvidzo
Sunday Mail Reporter
RESOURCE MOBILISATION has become urgent as the country continues with efforts to fight drug and substance abuse, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
In his remarks at the High-level Drug and Substance Abuse Resource Mobilisation Engagement programme in Harare last Friday, Dr Muswere said it was important to ensure more resources were mobilised.
“I want to thank all participants for ensuring that awareness is raised as we fight against the menace,” Dr Muswere said.
He added that Zimbabweans were duty-bound to contribute towards the eradication of drug and substance abuse.
“The resource mobilisation programme gives us an opportunity as Zimbabweans to be able to contribute towards the eradication of drug and substance abuse,” he said, while commending President Mnangagwa for the various initiatives being rolled out to ensure Zimbabwe wins the battle against the vice.
“You (President Mnangagwa) have put in place mechanisms in order to ensure that we extinguish this challenge that threatens the youth and health and well-being of our nation,” he said.
“This menace threatens the youth, women and the generality of Zimbabweans.
“Your launch today is testimony, Your Excellency, to your commitment to the future of the country and the journey and vision that you enunciated, that is Vision 2030.”
In his remarks while introducing the President, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said resource mobilisation had become pertinent in the fight against the drug and substance menace.
“A needs assessment was conducted and it pointed to the need to mobilise resources,” he said.
He added that over 31 000 drug offenders had been arrested since President Mnangagwa launched the drug and substance abuse plan last year.
Over US$3 million in pledges was raised, with individuals, officials from the private sector, faith-based organisations, Cabinet ministers and provincial ministers, all making pledges at the event presided over by President Mnangagwa.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire pledged US$30 000; Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe US$15 000; Dr Muswere US$10 000; Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka US$10 000; and Minister Kazembe US$10 000.
All provincial ministers pledged to raise US$30 000 each from their provinces.
Geo Pomona Waste Management chief executive officer and executive chairman Dr Dilesh Nguwaya pledged US$10 000, Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi US$5 000, while Special Presidential Adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara pledged US$200 000.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo and legislator for Mabvuku-Tafara constituency Scott Sakupwanya pledged upwards of US$1 million each, in absentia.
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