The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug and substance abuse by equipping public servants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, identify and respond to the growing challenge.
This comes as the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is conducting a two-day Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention and Management training at Chinhoyi Showground for officials from Head Office and Mashonaland West Province.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Daniel Garwe, Deputy Minister Hon. Albert Mavunga said the training was aimed at strengthening the capacity of Ministry staff to address drug and substance abuse while ensuring effective and accountable public service delivery.
“The nature of our duties cannot be performed properly by someone who has consumed drugs or alcohol or who is under the influence of any substance,” said Minister Mavunga.
He said impaired judgment weakens oversight, leads to poor decision-making, affects integrity and ultimately compromises service delivery.
“This training is about protecting our work, protecting communities, and protecting the credibility of Government,” he said.
Minister Mavunga said although traditional leaders and local authority officials were not part of the workshop, they remain important partners in community development.
“Ministry staff work hand in glove with traditional leadership and local authority structures, and we rely on them for community reach, legitimacy and implementation on the ground,” he said.
He challenged participants to take the knowledge gained during the training back to their districts and ensure the message reaches every community in Mashonaland West.
“After this workshop, you are expected to pass the message clearly to the traditional leaders and local authority structures with whom you work,” he stated.
Hon. Mavunga also encouraged participants to share the information with colleagues who were unable to attend the training.
“The goal of capacitation is not only to train individuals it is to strengthen the whole province and ensure that everyone who needs this knowledge receives it,” he said.
He said the training would help participants identify warning signs of substance abuse, prevent drug misuse in workplaces and communities, support affected individuals without stigma, and refer cases through the appropriate channels for professional assistance.
The Deputy Minister stressed that protecting public service delivery remains a key responsibility of Government officials.
“Our oversight role ensures that minimum service delivery is maintained for citizens. That minimum service is not a favour it is a right,” Hon Mavunga added.
He urged participants to use the training as an opportunity to strengthen communities, improve communication across the province and contribute to a drug-free society.