Drug and alcoholabuse increases at Uis

Over the past few years, the local settlement of Uis in the Erongo region has seen an alarming increase in drug and alcohol abuse among its youth.

Parents, community leaders and authorities have expressed concern about this growing problem, which is endangering the well-being and future prospects of the area’s youth.

According to community members and local officials, the abuse of alcohol, cannabis and other illegal drugs is prevalent among teenagers and young adults.

Some young people at Uis say several factors, such as the high unemployment rate, a lack of recreational activities and peer pressure, contribute to the social ill.

Shiliseni Matsuib, a young person at the settlement, admits to being addicted to drugs and alcohol, which causes him to lose focus.

“With limited access to educational and vocational opportunities, we as young people are turning to drugs and alcohol to escape our harsh realities,” he says.

According to a community member who requested anonymity, the problem has gotten worse in recent years.

“The pandemic has caused significant hardship for many families. Many young people are frustrated, bored and depressed. Unfortunately, they are seeking comfort in the wrong places,” says the community member, who has been working with local youth for several years.

The rise in substance abuse is also affecting school attendance, which has declined. Some pupils come to school drunk, while others drop out.

Petrus Ganeb Secondary School acting principal Venetdy Uises is concerned about the increasing number of pupils showing signs of substance abuse, such as poor academic performance and erratic behaviour.

Community leaders have also urged local authorities to take immediate action to remedy the social ills and prevent them from getting worse.

While there are existing programmes to address substance abuse, many are underfunded or unavailable to the most vulnerable.

Warrant officer Johanna Ndjoro, the station commander of the Uis police station, says the local police are understaffed.

Ndjoro emphasises that the police are working to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors and combat the distribution of illegal drugs.

However, simply enforcing the law is not enough, says Ndjoro.

“We are doing everything we can, but this is a community issue that requires a team effort.”

According to Ndjoro, since December last year, the police have arrested a number of people for drug related offences.

“We need parents, teachers and leaders to work together to support and guide these youth.”

In response to the crisis, the non-profit organisation, Rural Rise Community Empowerment, recently hosted a community dialogue and advocacy workshop.

The workshop provided information on a range of issues and encouraged the youth to participate in local government.

Residents also used the platform to express their concerns and offer solutions. Some called for stricter alcohol sales regulations in the area, while others stressed the importance of job creation and education initiatives to provide youth with a sense of purpose and direction.