Harare (New Ziana) – The government has sounded deep alarm at the availability of some illicit drugs and harmful substances and ordinary supermarkets and grocery shops, saying this was worsening
the problem of drug abuse, particularly by youths and adolescents.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Industry and Commerce
Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni said government will step up the fight
against drug and substance abuse through the Consumer Protection
Commission and Trade Measures. She described as a ‘sad development’
cases where some of the illicit drugs and substances were readily
obtainable in local retail shops.
“My Ministry is mandated to improve consumer welfare and economic growth
through the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:44], which inter alia,
is meant to protect consumers from the consumption of unsafe and
hazardous products including illicit drugs/alcoholic beverages illegally
manufactured and some imported into the country,” she said.
“It is equally sad to note the negative effects of these drugs has
resultantly led to health-related problems, academic failures on the
young generations, poor peer relationships and crime related activities.
“Sadly, I am informed that, recently, in Bulawayo, a juvenile was stabbed
to death over a minor dispute that could have been resolved amicably,”
she said.
Nyoni urged manufacturers of alcoholic beverages to adhere to Statutory
Instrument 25 of 2001 on Food and Food Standards (alcoholic beverages)
as well as the Trade Measures Act [Chapter14:23] in order to protect
consumers from consumption of unsafe and hazardous goods.
She also implored supermarkets and grocery shops to desist from stocking
and trading illicit alcoholic beverages, most of which is imported.
“The Ministry shall be engaging responsible authorities, including
Standards Association of Zimbabwe to investigate the contents of these
illicit alcoholic beverages in order to fully inform the consumers. On
its part, the Ministry will intensify monitoring and investigative
activities through the Consumer Protection Commission and Trade Measures
to curb such practices,” she said.
Nyoni said the whole government, not just her ministry, would be
involved in tackling the issue of illicit drug and substance abuse in
the country.
New Ziana
