Outgoing Mayor Amos Masondo has announced the launch of a drug rehabilitation centre in Randburg.
The centre will be one of only three state run facilities in Gauteng.
Among those who attended, were young people who came in their numbers to support the initiative.
The centre couldn’t have come at a better time, as thousands of young people from disadvantaged communities who cant afford treatment at private drug rehab facilities will now have access to treatment.
Speaking at the event, Masondo saidz that “drug abuse affects the entire spectrum of our society from our very affluent communities to the poorest of the poor”.
Masondo also said that among other efforts aimed at curbing the drug problem in Gauteng, the City of Johannesburg has been involved in a number of initiatives such as substance abuse summits as well as awareness campaigns led by the youth.
The other two state run drug facilities in Gauteng are situated in Boksburg and Magaliesburg.
The centre will be able to accommodate a maximum of 10 patients for a six-week programme.
The project is an initiative of the City of Johannesburg’s Community Development department.
In an effort to intensify the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, the City has partnered with the South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA) to help provide much needed treatment to drug addicts.
Explaining the decision to enter a partnership, the Executive Mayor said that SANCA’s reputation speaks for its self. Since 1956, the organisation has worked with those affected to better our communities so it is only wiser to partner with them.
The programme is aimed at curbing drug problems among young people and also offering them a way out of drugs in a form of treatment at the centre.
Among other services that will be offered by the centre will be addiction counselling, rehabilitation and treatment as well as after care services.