The Government of Zimbabwe says it is making significant progress in the fight against drug and substance abuse, with thousands of arrests, major drug seizures, and rehabilitation programmes being rolled out across the country.

Speaking during the 15th Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, presented an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, which was approved by Cabinet.

“The Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse is implementing a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), which is tailored to mitigate and ultimately eliminate the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe,” Hon Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

She said the Committee coordinates interventions involving Government ministries, law enforcement agencies, communities, and the private sector through seven strategic pillars which include supply chain reduction, prevention, rehabilitation, psycho-social support, economic strengthening, media communication, and legal reforms.

The update revealed major progress in disrupting illegal drug supply networks across the country.

“A total of 2 889 accused persons were arraigned before the courts and 381 convictions were secured,” she said.

Hon. Kashiri also confirmed that approximately 453 drug suppliers, 2 436 individual end-users, and 31 drug bases were dismantled in the selected districts of Manicaland and Mashonaland West Provinces.

She disclosed that drugs and illicit substances worth nearly ZiG 79.9 million were confiscated during ongoing operations.

“These included crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, dagga, khat and unregistered medicines including cough syrups,” Hon Kashiri stated.

In efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children, she said “32 children living and working on the streets” were removed and placed under protection programmes, while 171 children were successfully reintegrated with their families.

Authorities also intensified inspections targeting liquor outlets and illegal operating premises.

“The Committee also conducted regulatory compliance inspections across the country’s provinces, with 615 liquor-licensed premises having been inspected and 36 unlicensed premises fined and closed,”she said.

Ministry added that awareness and prevention campaigns have so far reached “285 918 beneficiaries” nationwide as authorities scale up anti-drug education in schools and communities.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation, vocational training, entrepreneurship support programmes, and empowerment initiatives have been rolled out to “approximately 37 937 youths and women.”

Minister announced the launch of “a US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund” aimed at supporting young people through income-generating projects and economic opportunities.

Zimbabwe is continuing on its journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 under the leadership of President Emmerson MnangagwaPresident Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Through Vision 2030, the country is focusing on improving people’s lives through economic growth, infrastructure development, agriculture, industrialisation, and social inclusion.

Across the country, major infrastructure projects are helping to improve transport and communication networks. New roads, bridges, and other public works are making it easier for people and businesses to move goods and services.

These developments are also helping to attract investment and strengthen trade within the region.

Agriculture remains one of the key pillars of Zimbabwe’s economy.

Government programmes aimed at improving irrigation, mechanisation, and access to farming inputs are helping farmers increase production and improve food security.

Supporting agriculture is important in ensuring that the country can feed its people while creating jobs and income for rural communities.

Zimbabwe is also working towards growing local industries and promoting value addition. By encouraging local production and innovation, industries are creating employment opportunities and reducing dependence on imports.

Youth empowerment and skills development programmes are also helping young people prepare for opportunities in modern industries and business.

The country continues to promote investment and international cooperation as part of efforts to build a stable and growing economy. Creating a business-friendly environment is expected to support long-term economic development and improve livelihoods.

A major goal of Vision 2030 is to ensure that development benefits everyone. The government says no community should be left behind, whether in urban or rural areas.

This inclusive approach aims to make sure all Zimbabweans take part in national progress and development.

As the country moves forward, Vision 2030 continues to serve as a roadmap towards a more modern, empowered, and prosperous Zimbabwe.

The Government has strongly condemned the unlawful subdivision and sale of land at North Umzari Farm in Makonde District, Chinhoyi, saying the transactions are in breach of the country’s spatial planning and urban development regulations.

According to Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon Daniel Garwe, authorities never granted approval or issued compliance certificates for the creation and sale of residential stands on the farm.

“The layout plans circulating in connection with the land sales are “fake, fraudulent and legally void,” he said.

The minister urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing land in the area, warning that buyers involved in illegal land transactions risk losing their money because Government will not compensate victims.

“Any structures erected without properly approved plans may be demolished, stressing that Government is determined to eliminate disorderly settlements and ensure organised urban growth in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda,” he concluded.