The City of Tshwane is pleased with the progress of the methadone drug-dispensing programme for drug-dependent residents at its various COVID-19 homeless shelters.
Substance abuse continues to destroy the lives of substance users and their loved ones, often leaving many displaced from their homes as they opt for an unstable life as drug addicts on the city streets.
For this reason, the City of Tshwane entered into a service-level agreement with the University of Pretoria in an effort to minimise the impact of substance abuse through the Community-oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP).
Compliance Administrator, Ms Lebogang Mahaye, visited shelters to assess the compliance of shelters for the homeless with the COVID-19 disaster management regulations, and to observe the reception of methadone in those who are addicted to substances.
“Through administering methadone as an alternate drug, the City is making significant progress in preventing, treating, rehabilitating and reintegrating people affected by substance abuse,” said Ms Mahaye during her site visit to one of the shelters.
Approximately 6 700 people have been registered on this programme, with a 64,8% retention rate compared to the 50% global benchmark.
In demonstrating that indeed nobody will be left behind, the City of Tshwane has been responsive by providing the necessary medical attention, as well as social and psychological support.