Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-04-09 08:30:13
The Freetown City Council (FCC) has been witness to the devastating effects of kush on the residents of Freetown. In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of unclaimed corpses found on the streets, with over 150 reported in the eight months leading up to March. These deaths, primarily of young people, are directly linked to the use of kush.
Additionally, there has been a disturbing trend of graves being desecrated and human bones being removed. It is believed that this criminal activity, which shows disrespect for the deceased, is also connected to the kush pandemic as the ground human bones are reportedly used in the production of the drug. To combat these actions, the FCC is collaborating with the Sierra Leone Police to implement night security patrols in cemeteries.
In response to the kush crisis, the FCC hosted a roundtable discussion on April 5th with youth who are dedicated to addressing the issue. These young individuals have been actively involved in various interventions to combat the kush pandemic. The discussion aimed to bring together different youth groups to review the FCC’s draft intervention plan and emphasize the need for collective efforts in its implementation.
The plan focuses on three main areas: raising awareness about the dangers of kush, providing access to rehabilitation and counseling services for kush addicts, and supporting the families of addicts to help them cope with the challenges they face. It is important to note that the FCC’s enforcement mandate is limited to enforcing bylaws related to sanitation, animal welfare, and public nuisance.
The outcomes of the Youth Roundtable discussions are being compiled to develop a “Say No To Kush” intervention plan that will be implemented by the FCC in collaboration with youth groups and other stakeholders. Participants at the roundtable included representatives from organizations such as House of Happiness, CODaP, students from various universities, Social Workers Sierra Leone, and Hamza4SL.
Together, these groups are committed to standing united in the fight against kush. The FCC acknowledges the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the kush pandemic and is actively engaging with youth and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies.By working together and raising awareness about the dangers of kush, providing support for addicts and their families, and taking collective action, the FCC and its partners hope to make a meaningful impact in addressing the kush crisis in Freetown.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
