Zambia: Chief Cooma of the Tonga People of Choma District has come forward to express his concern about the high levels of drug abuse in the community. The traditional chief of the community stated that the youngsters are consuming some illegal intoxicants and drugs.
The traditional head of the Tonga people, Chief Cooma is dedicated to the welfare of the people. Accordingly, he appealed to the government and other officials to ensure the situation could be tackled.
Marijuana and illicit gin popularly known as Kachasu were some of the illicit drugs that youths are abusing, according to the traditional leader. The traditional leader noted that these youngsters have deviated from their paths. Several organizations in the district need to team up to curb the challenge.
Many youngsters indulge in illegal activities including theft due the behavioural changes brought along by the drug abuse. The Traditional leader noted that there is a need for the youngsters to be given stricter treatment.
Chief Cooma of the Tonga People called on the Government to work towards ensuring a safer environment for the community. He asked for the help of the Police force and other defence wings to heighten the security measures at night.
The concern of increased drug abuse among the youngsters of chief cooma’s chiefdom was also highlighted by an Choma Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Organization -CADRO- Board Member.
The official who came forward with the concern has been identified as Jenny Furtherstone. She has called for mass sensitization on the effects of alcohol abuse among youths around the Country.
Furtherstone says alcohol abuse is a vice that can cause death, liver failure and loss of properties among other effects. The officials believe that the youngsters are not completely aware of the negative behavioral and social impacts of drug abuse.
As such, they must be given adequate education which can help them become responsible contributors of the community. She has observed that youths who abuse alcohol turn out to be thieves with violent behavior becoming more prominent.
The Choma Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Organization official spoke about the efforts that the organization has made to ensure that youngsters are sensitized. Â Furtherstone claimed that her organization has come up with sensitization programs on alcohol abuse.
Several organizations in the district need to team up in order to curb the challenge.