The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development is to build an outpatient treatment centre in Soshanguve, North of Tshwane to deal with the effects of drugs and alcohol abuse in the area.
The department announced this during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa Community Centre in Soshanguve. The centre aims to treat and rehabilitate young people who are hooked on drugs.
Addressing about 500 mainly young people, Gauteng and Health and Social
Development MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, said the move forms part of the department's targeted interventions to deal with the high rate of drug abuse in the area.
During the imbizo held in the area last year, substance abuse was highlighted as one of the social ills that need urgent intervention. MEC Mahlangu also called on community members to voice out their objections to shebeens and taverns that operate close to schools and other learning centres to curb the increase of drugs and alcohol abuse in the area.
"Unless communities take action and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies the problem of drugs and drug usage will not be overcome," she said.
Mahlangu says government will partner with other stakeholders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to create awareness around substance abuse in the country. She says alcohol has been identified as the most abused substance because it is easily accessible.
She says shebeens and other liquor outlets need to be strictly regulated to reduce the impact this is having on the lives of the communities particularly in the townships.
MEC Mahlangu also encouraged the youth to focus on their education.
"Education is the key to your success. Make use of the programmes offered by government to empower yourselves. Remember to stay away from alcohol, sex and drugs as they will destroy your future," concluded MEC Mahlangu.
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