Metro budgets over R31-million to combat drug, substance abuse
The funds will help run various drug and substance abuse in the metro.
The Tshwane metro has budgeted R31.7-million to fight drug and substance abuse in the city.
Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said the funds will empower various anti-drug and substance abuse programmes in the metro.
“Drug and substance abuse, particularly by the youth, has a destructive impact on families and communities at large,” he said.
“It is one of the main causes of domestic and gang violence, assaults, robberies and other criminal activities.”
In efforts to fight substance abuse, Williams joined the MMC of Health Rina Marx, to launch the metro’s Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC).
Williams said the committee currently consists of 22 members representing different spheres of society.
He said these spheres are law enforcement agencies, government, health and civic society groups.
“The establishment of this committee is a significant step in the fight against substance abuse in Tshwane,” he said.
“With our various programmes already in place, the Local Drug Action Committee will serve as a co-ordinating mechanism to ensure that all resources are used effectively to fight substance abuse.
“The committee will also be tasked with developing an action plan to combat substance abuse in Tshwane,” he added.
The metro has joined hands with the University of Pretoria to run the Community Oriented Substance Use Programme (Cosup) which Williams said was aimed at preventing, treating, rehabilitating and reintegrating people affected by drugs and other substances.
“The City also runs a 24-hour toll-free helpline to provide support for matters related to substance abuse. The Help Line can be contacted on 0800 611 197 or 0800 467 347,” he said.
“I want to thank all the organisations and stakeholders involved. It is important that we all work together to ensure that Tshwane does not become a capital city for nyaope and other substances.”
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