Africa-Press – Botswana. Residents of Phillip Matante ward in Francistown South constituency have been urged to desist from use and peddling of drugs and substances.
Addressing a kgotla meeting in the ward this week, area MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi described drugs as a virus that was destroying the youth.
He noted that the Constitutional Review Committee had recommended that drug lords should face the death penalty for the crime. He said the committee’s recommendations would be discussed in the next sitting of Parliament.
He told residents that the move would curb the growing use of drugs and substances that was detrimental to human health.
He said those arrested in possession of drugs and substance were liable to be sentenced to 20 years or above in prison.
Mr Mmolotsi also informed constituents that there was only one drug rehabilitation facility in Lobatse and that the Serowe facility was expected to be opened last year.
He, however, said the two facilities could not accommodate all those who wished to quit the habit.
On other issues, the MP said the economy was not showing any signs of improvement as prices of commodities had grown by 4.4 per cent as compared to 1 or 2 per cent realised in previous years.
Commenting on the MPs address, Ms Pinkie Nhlolo complained of high water bills that were depleting her old age pension.
She supported the proposed penalties for drug lords and dealers as well as those found in possession of drugs.
Ms Sebina Sandu suggested that Water Utilities Corporation should start to use tokens as other enterprises in order to curb the high water bills and to reduce complaints from customers.
She also complained of uncovered trenches, saying they posed a danger to residents especially at night.
She also complained about mushrooming churches, saying some haboured criminals.
Ms Sarah Hulela said people were going to continue missing because cases were dealt with at a snails pace.
In response, Inspector Gaseediwe Letsholathebe said crime was rampant in the area and that most criminal activities were done under the influence of drugs that were sold by known people in the community.
Insp. Letsholathebe appealed for cooperation and a cordial working relationship with the community in order to thwart criminal activities.
She also urged them to report criminal activities and all suspicious people to the police.
She also urged them to reprimand their children for unbecoming behaviour.
Dr Keorapetse Mmualefe said the DHMT was allocated P150 000 to buy drugs for Greater Francistown.
Dr Mmualefe said the chronic medical dispensation programme required the approval of health authorities in Gaborone because it was not yet decentralised.
For his part, MP Mmolotsi reprimanded parents for abdicating their responsibilities and depending on teachers to mould their children.
He urged parents to sensitize their children about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, being part of gangs as well as sex at an early age.
He also encouraged them to buy books for their children as they were in short supply in schools.
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