Africa-Press – Botswana. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged the Ministry for State President to expedite the recruitment of personnel at the Directorate on Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as Botswana faces a troubling rise in illicit drug use, particularly among the youth.
During PAC session on May 26, chairperson Mr Taolo Lucas stressed that the country must confront the issue head-on.
“Given the high rise of illicit drug use especially amongst the youth, it is imperative for government to address the issue fully,” he said.
The query was asked by Member of Parliament for Boteti West, Mr Sam Digwa, who stated concern over the limited reach of the DEA due to inadequate staffing.
He said despite the alarming rate at which drug use was spreading among young people, the DEA lacked the human resources to conduct widespread outreach, education and enforcement activities across the country.
Responding to the concerns, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for State President, Ms Goitsemang Morekisi acknowledged the urgency of the matter by stating that 61 new officers were currently being recruited to bolster the DEA.
“There are currently 12 officers at the DEA, but we are in the process of recruiting 61 officers to assist in fighting the scourge of drug use in the country,” she stated.
She further highlighted that the fight against drugs was a collaborative national effort.
“This is a multi-sectoral fight involving the Ministry of Health, security agents, and civil society agencies,” she said.
On other issues, Ms Morekisi said efforts were underway to expedite the process to make the sex offender registration act functional. The Act was signed into law in 2021.
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