Hwange councillors have expressed concern over the widespread drug and alcohol abuse by the youth in the coal mining area.
Hwange Local Board ward 3 councillor, Bryn Chikumbo, said the vice posed serious public health and social risks.
“Social media has been awash with kids abusing drugs and other intoxicating substances,” Chikumbo said. “Even children from my own community are now indulging in these illicit substances and this is a big threat to their future, as they are likely to perform badly academically or fail to complete their studies.”
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, broncleer, cane spirit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
“This might be a result of inadequate parenting. Of course, there’s an element of social influence and experimentation as well,” Chikumbo said.
Council chairperson councillor, Morrison Mafa, cited poor parenting as the reason why the youth are taking drugs and other substances for fun.
“I have regularly taken time to invite school going children from my ward to my home where I give.
Source Southern eye
