Westbury identified as 1 of 5 communities to receive community-based substance abuse treatment centres
Westbury under siege from the scourge of drugs.
The City of Johannesburg has identified Westbury as one of the first five communities to receive community-based substance abuse treatment centres.
This comes after protests in the area from residents lamenting the scourge of drug abuse.
According to the MMC for Health and Social Development, MMC Mpho Phalatse, the establishment of the facility (to be located adjacent to Westbury Clinic) has been delayed by a longstanding dispute between the City and the resident occupying this city-owned facility.
“It is important that we take charge of this facility, which residents allege is used as a lolly lounge, and provide the needed service to the community that is under siege from the scourge of drugs.
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“The establishment of the substance abuse treatment centre will assist recovering addicts is part of the city’s plan to reclaim all spaces that have been converted into drug dealing hotspots,” said Phalatse.
Once fully operational, the Westbury treatment centre will offer therapy sessions for individuals, groups and families, as well as detoxification services for drug users who need them. Clients requiring medical attention will be accompanied to the clinic, where their other health needs will be taken care of.
The City has already established four new outpatient substance abuse treatment centres in Tladi (Soweto), Eldorado Park, Joubert Park (Inner City) and River Park (Alexandra).
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The National Drug Master Plan identifies three areas of focus required to decisively deal with the drug pandemic.
Mayor Mashaba has also instructed Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to intensify visible policing in the area.
While condemning the peddling of drugs and occurrence of other crimes, Phalatse said “the City of Joburg has declared war on drugs and will continue working with all community organizations including other stakeholders to tackle drugs in our living spaces.”
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