Kamenu Ward MCA Mary Hussein has urged youths to be productive and focus on bettering their lives rather than engaging in drugs and substance abuse.
Hussein who was addressing youth at Posta in Makongeni on Wednesday noted that since the area was rid of illicit brews two months ago, many youths have now turned to other substances like khat.
"It is good to be your own master. Do not wait to be followed by your parents or the government to know what you are doing is wrong,” said Hussein.
She added, "We might have poured illicit brews here and left 'miraa' but it doesn't mean that it is good and you should spend all your time there. Be productive for self development.”
She said that many youths waking up in the morning and head to khat kiosks where they spend the whole day chewing and engaging in idle talks.
"There is no difference between a person who consumes khat and a drunkard who took alcohol in the morning and spent the whole day sleeping on the roadside or a ditch,” she added.