By OBAKENG MAJE
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said, most drug addicts will continue to suffer. This comes after the non-operational of Taung Treatment Centre. The centre that was supposed to open its doors to the public on 1 December 2023, was expected to help clients to overcome addiction.
The EFF provincial deputy chairperson, Primrose Bogatsu said they have embarked on oversight visits to government institutions to ensure that the budget allocated to them is put to a good use.
“As public representatives, it is our duty to do oversight in government institutions to ensure that the budget allocated to various institutions is used accordingly. We also want to ensure that our people get services.
“This centre was supposed to play a pivotal role within the community by helping clients to overcome addiction. The centre was also supposed to offer clients a chance to work on their behaviours, which are aligned with their addiction in a safe and non-judgmental environment,” she said.
Bogatsu further said they have realised that, since the establishment of the institution in 2018, it is not fully functional. She added that, also, the institution has not been officially handed over.
“There are still some challenges that make it difficult for the municipality to give the centre a go ahead to operate. Apparently, the water sprinkler system is not working, so that makes the building non-compliant. So far, the building does not serve any purpose.
“This means all those who are drug addicts, cannot get help as there is nothing happening here. We have to hold the North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi accountable. Mokgosi was supposed to officially open the building on 1 December 2023, but that did not happen,” said Bogatsu.
She said it was clear that he misled the public.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “The department is aware of this matter and the processes to install the sprinklers and smoke detectors have commenced. The centre will be operational in the current financial year.
“The building was allocated for the provision of substance abuse treatment services. The centre provides out-patient services in collaboration with the North West Department of Health. These services include prevention services and individual counselling.”
Siko said this also includes motivational sessions with service users, joint interviews, referrals to the hospital for drug testing and psychiatric evaluation, assessment and family engagements for support systems towards service users. He said people who require treatment services are being referred to a state-run JB Marks Treatment Centre in Potchefstroom.
“This is the only treatment centre in Taung and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. However, the province has another state-run treatment centre in Potchefstroom. There are also private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.
“There is staff in the treatment centre and their role include providing outreach services and referring service users to treatment centres, as well as working with the
Taung District Hospital,” said Siko.
He said they also provide services, which include prevention services, individual counselling, motivational sessions with service users, joint interviews, referrals to the hospital for drug testing and psychiatric evaluation, assessment and family engagements for support systems towards service users.
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