The launch of a free community-based substance abuse treatment centre in Eldorado Park on Wednesday, 5 June 2018, was greatly appreciated by residents who attended the project launch in Ext 9.
This is the second substance abuse treatment centre after one was opened in Tladi, Soweto.
The centre boasts a pre-counselling room, sick bay, multipurpose room for meetings, family discussions room and a urine testing room that takes place under the watchful eye of a nurse. It will offer detoxing, screening, social assessments and therapy by a staff of qualified social workers, nurses and doctors.
There is a garden and on arrival a row of statue heads set at increasing heights catch your eye. They represent the individuals seeking help that arrive being at the lowest point of their lives but leave with heads held high after undergoing six weeks of treatment.
Eldorado Park resident Rita Engels, who lives two streets away from the centre, welcomed the establishment of the centre and said it was long overdue. “You have no idea what havoc drugs cause to families unless you experience it. Both my sons are on drugs and I am hoping that they will commit themselves here especially since it is free of charge.”
The centre will officially open on Monday, 11 June 2018. It has provided work opportunities for local artisans. Two young men, Germaine Pienaar and Dayleon Sooprayen aged 29 and 25 respectively, who are recovering addicts, are employed in the project and intend playing a greater role via awareness campaigns. Eldorado Park has a 35% unemployment rate.
Councillor Peter Rafferty said: “Eldorado Park is plagued by drugs and the centre has been primarily established to help families and individuals affected and caught up drugs and is free and accessible to anyone who needs help.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, said: “Research shows that a large number of abductions, rape, murder and other criminal activity are linked to drug use. There are three steps to winning this battle.
“First, it is critical to stem the supply of drugs in Eldorado Park and residents have to inform SAPS and particularly JMPD’s K9 Unit. Second, we must determine the factors that create the demand for drugs in the area and third, ensure that people caught up in drugs get assistance rather than jail sentencing.”
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said that the community must get involved in helping prevent the spread of drugs. “You must take better notice of your surroundings and the activities happening so that you can report illegal or criminal activity. Let us today declare zero tolerance to drugs and encourage a culture of accountability.”
He told Eldorado Park residents that the City will increase its K9 Unit from 60 to 100 officers as well as resourcing it to better fight and prevent drug trafficking. The number to call to anonymously report drugs is 0800 223 217.
