Thumbs down to rehab centre
Laqhakaza Iphara Recovery stated that regardless of the outcome, they are happy to have interacted with the community.
Pennington residents came out in their numbers to attend a public participation meeting at Relton Hall last Saturday, for the possible establishment of a rehabilitation/recovery centre in the area.
This was hosted by mid-South Coast NPO, Laqhakaza Iphara Recovery.
The founder, Emmanuel Msomi, explained the purpose of the meeting was to see whether or not residents would agree or disagree to a rehabilitation centre dealing with numerous addictions in their community.
Msomi stated that he is a recovering addict and has done a lot of work with addicts not just on the South Coast, but in KZN. This public participation meeting was part of the process of implementing the programme of recovery throughout the country.
“The goal is to help not just those battling with addictions such as alcohol, drugs or gambling, but to also provide a support system to their families, and at the same time help with job creation,” he said.
After the proposal was made, a majority of the residents expressed great concern.
People mentioned that Pennington has many elderly residents and that they are concerned about safety and security if the rehab centre is opened in the residential area.
Another concern was crime – residents questioned what would happen if an addict runs away from the facility and starts committing crimes in the town to feed their habits, as well as others being drawn to the area.
Residents then decided to take a vote. One of the residents told Msomi that even though his work is admired, it will not work in Pennington. He then asked the attendees to raise their hands if they opposed, and it was then made clear that the proposal had received a massive thumbs down.
Msomi said regardless of the outcome, he is still happy to have interacted with the residents and noted their concerns.
“I am still going to continue trying to help better our communities and will simply move onto the next town to see if they require assistance,” he said.
He was especially grateful to the handful of residents who stayed behind after the meeting ended and offered him their support. These residents told Msomi that they are proud of the work he is doing and to keep moving forward.
Laqhakaza Iphara Recovery has more plans for the future, but for the time being will continue with public participation meetings such as this one to establish a rehabilitation centre in the near future.
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