The number of localities with a high number of problem drug users in the territory of Prague 5 is increasing. And even though the local mayor Renáta Zajíčková (ODS) realizes that this homelessness issue is “insanely unpopular”, she decided to address it because: “Whoever does nothing will not spoil anything.”

Outraged emails from parents

In a Facebook post from the end of February, Zajíčková announced that she had turned around due to the deteriorating situation at the capital city council. She found support from the mayor of the central district Petr Hejma (We, who live here / STAN). Prague 1 is currently raising a topic about the Naděje center near the main railway station, which provides assistance to the homeless.

Smíchov City Hall is again facing difficulties, because there are two of the three contact centers for drug addicts in the city district (they operate under the Sananim and Progressive associations). The so-called low-threshold center providing prevention and treatment of drug addictions is still operated by Drop In in the metropolis. In addition, in one of the “five” surgeries, the doctor offers the possibility of drug substitution to those who have withdrawal symptoms.

“It is often possible to come across a syringe, for example, near a children’s playground in Na Skalce Park and in many other places. I absolutely understand every parent who writes an indignant e-mail to me, “said Mayor Zajíčková, according to whom even higher activity of city police officers or cleaning in problematic areas does not help.

According to expert advice, there is a need for one contact center for drug addicts per 100,000 inhabitants. Prague should have at least ten such facilities, so it needs another seven. Zajíčková claims that one part of the city cannot bear such a burden.

The vicious circle of addiction

“Contact center directors are hopelessly overwhelmed. They serve hundreds of clients a day and their energy and original mission are slowly disappearing, so that clients can devote themselves individually and help them leave the vicious circle of addiction, “Zajíčková observed.

According to the town hall’s strategy survey, roughly half of the population of Prague 5 will have a very stimulating perception of the need to address security in the coming years. Coronavirus infection and restriction with covid-19 in addition to poor condition still associated.

Will Smíchov City help?
In a 2019 study, fieldworkers said the number of drug users in the city center had dropped significantly. Among the reasons they mention the cultivation of public space. Zajíčková and spol. for example, the construction of the Smíchov City development project could help. However, experts emphasize the need to find mutual respect between prevention and repression against drug addicts.

According to an analysis published by the Prague Social Services Center, the total number of homeless people in the capital increased by 23 percent in 2020. Drug addiction affects a known section of the homeless.

“These individuals are still with the Angel. They are dirty, without veils, they spit all around, they roar and beg for money, “says one of the comments under the careful post. “My grandmother lives by Zvon, whenever I go to her with her daughter in a pram, I’m happy when the door to the apartment closes behind me,” another citizen complains to Zajíčková.

Drop In Extras in CNN Prima News report he recently pointed out a problem with the supply of clean needles, which could endanger not only the addicts themselves, but also others. Used syringe applications can be a source of jaundice or HIV infection.

According to Zajíčková, one of the solutions could be to build mobile contact centers, including substitution treatment options: “Citizens would then not have to come across non-governmental drug users in the parks and the application of a syringe under them.”

However, in an interview with Pražský deník, Magistrate Councilor Milena Johnová (Prague herself) says that it would be more of an emergency solution. “Nobody wants a contact point in the city district, but drug addicts cannot just be pushed elsewhere. It is not the case that the service disappears and the problem disappears, “he explains.

Mayor: Promises are not enough

John confirmed that the metropolitan leadership wants to reach a number of centers for drug users. The Councilor for Health and Social Services is aware that the current situation is unbearable for Prague 5. Therefore, representatives of the city district were also invited to the municipal anti-drug commission.

In addition, similar negotiations have taken place in the past, as the current problem has not emerged. “Unfortunately, the covid has slowed down the creation of a new concept and its use in practice,” Johnová told the Prague daily. According to Zajíčková, however, the municipality is postponing this issue to the “second” dormitory in the long run: “Promises are not enough to solve the situation.”

“To increase security, I managed to negotiate a permanent patrol in the Anděl area and its surroundings thanks to the helpfulness of the Prague police management. But that’s just a little help. Prague needs a comprehensive solution so that the problem does not constantly move from one part of the city to another. “