Lead President Linda Masarira has made a proposal to convert Mayor Mafume’s Hostel into a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. Masarira has made this proposal following the case against Mafume’s unauthorised hostel in Belvedere. The plans in Harare are to demolish the hostel. Masarira Masarira’s letter dated February 12 was submitted to The Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into Harare Urban Planning and Governance
The proposal is as below:
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
P.O. Box M341, Harare
+263719118783
tsungiemasarira@gmail.com
12 February 2025
The Chairperson
Commission of Inquiry into Harare Urban Planning and Governance
Harare Town House
Harare, Zimbabwe
Subject: Proposal to Convert Mayor Mafume’s Hostel into a Drug Rehabilitation Centre
Dear Justice Maphios Cheda,
I write to you as a concerned citizen and advocate for social justice, urging the Commission to consider an alternative resolution regarding Mayor Jacob Mafume’s unauthorized hostel in Belvedere. While I acknowledge the importance of upholding urban planning regulations, I propose that, rather than demolishing the structure, it be repurposed into a government-supported drug rehabilitation centre to address the growing substance abuse crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is currently facing a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth. Unfortunately, there are very few rehabilitation centres available, and the existing ones are largely inaccessible to low-income individuals. This situation has led to increased crime, mental health issues, and the destruction of many young lives. Instead of demolishing an already-built structure, repurposing it as a rehabilitation centre would provide a cost-effective, socially beneficial, and restorative solution.
Justification for the Proposal
1. Addressing Zimbabwe’s Drug Crisis
Substance abuse is on the rise, yet rehabilitation services remain inadequate. This facility could provide detoxification, counseling, mental health support, and vocational training to help reintegrate affected individuals into society.
2. Cost-Effective Utilization of Resources
Instead of spending resources on demolition, the government and private partners could invest in refurbishing the structure for public benefit.
3. Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainability
This initiative could be jointly managed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and private sector partners specializing in addiction recovery.
4. Social Justice and Restorative Measures
Many young people battling drug addiction end up incarcerated rather than rehabilitated. Establishing a dedicated rehabilitation centre would provide treatment, skills training, and support for reintegration into society.
5. Aligning with National and Global Health Strategies
This initiative would align with Zimbabwe’s National Drug Master Plan and international best practices that prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures.
I respectfully urge the Commission to assess the feasibility of this proposal before proceeding with demolition. I am available for further discussion on how this initiative can be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
LTMasarira
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
President – Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats
+263719118783
tsungiemasarira@gmail.com
Comments
About Author
