VICE-president Mutale Nalumango has appealed for greater backing for the construction of Zambia’s first National Drug Rehabilitation and Skills Development.
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Nalumango emphasised the facility’s critical role in combating susbstance abuse and providing vital rehabilitation and skills training services.
Speaking during a stakeholder’s meeting to mobilise support for the centre’s construction and operationalisation, Nalumango observed that drug abuse is a looming threat to young people’s potential hence, the facility will provide a ray of hope, offering both rehabilitation and skills development, enabling those affected to reintegrate into society and contribute productively to the country’s development.
Nalumango urged stakeholders to lend their support to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), facilitating the much needed rehabilitation center.
She underscored the critical need to establish such facilities in all provinces, stressing the significance of this initiative as a vital tool to addressing the alarming rise in substance abuse and it’s detrimental impact on individuals, families and society.
“If the growing problem of drug and substance abuse among young people is left unchecked, drug addiction could have severe social and economic consequences for the nation,” Nalumango warned.
“I implore the private sector to go beyond financial contributions and provide internships, apprenticeships, and job placements to recovering individuals. This will not only support their reintegration into society but also recognise the potential that lies within them,” she appealed.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu expressed concern over the surge in drug abuse among Zambia’s youth, particularly highlighting it’s devastating impact on juvenile delinquency and the lack of sustainable solutions.
“The exponential growth of drug abuse among the youths is a grave concern, resulting in a rise in juvenile delinquency. this is a clear lack of sustainable measures to address this issue, which calls for the immediate establishment of rehabilitation centers as a vital part of the solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, DEC director general Nason Banda revealed that cases of drug and substance abuse had been steadily increasing over the past three years, from 2021 to 2024.
“Our records indicate a significant rise in drug abuse cases, prompting us to engage with stakeholders to initiate the construction and operationalisation of the country’s first drug rehabilitation and skills development center,” added Banda.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba August 12, 2025
