Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. CHINHOYI legislator Leslie Mhangwa is pushing for better civil servants’ salaries and the setting up of dedicated rehabilitation centres as hospitals buckle under drug abuse.
Mhangwa called for a substantial increase in the budget allocation for the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry, arguing that the country can no longer ignore the twin crises of demoralised civil servants and an exploding drug abuse epidemic.
Debating the 2026 National Budget in Parliament recently, Mhangwa urged the government to prioritise salary adjustments for civil servants, particularly teachers, nurses and doctors whose low remuneration continues to erode morale and productivity in critical sectors.
He warned that the country’s development ambitions would remain out of reach if public workers remained underpaid and overstretched.
“Our teachers, our medical staff and all civil servants are central to progress. Improving their salaries is not a luxury it is a necessity,” he argued.
Mhangwa also raised alarm over the overwhelming pressure drug abuse is placing on psychiatric units across the country.
He said hospitals were increasingly turning into drug rehabilitation hubs by default, leaving mental health patients with limited attention and care.
Mhangwa proposed the establishment of specialised drug rehabilitation centres or, at minimum, dedicated drug-treatment wings within existing psychiatric facilities.
Staff in these centres, he added, should be offered risk allowances given the volatile nature of drug-related cases.
“Psychiatric centres are now overwhelmed by drug addicts.
“This diverts resources from patients with mental health conditions who need focused treatment.
“We need dedicated rehab infrastructure, and the staff must be adequately supported.”
Mhangwa said addressing these urgent concerns would not only uplift public workers, but also safeguard communities struggling with drug-related harm.
If implemented, the proposals could mark a turning point in efforts to create a healthier, more productive workforce and a society better equipped to tackle one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing social challenges.
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