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Dortmund's new drug consumption room: help or even more problems?
Dortmund is planning a new drug consumption room in 2025 to relieve pressure on existing facilities and new measures against aggressive beggars.
Dortmund's new drug consumption room: help or even more problems?
Something is happening in Dortmund: A new drug consumption room is scheduled to open in 2025 at Rheinische Straße 111, in a former pub not far from the Dorstfelder Bridge. The initiative, which is run by Aidshilfe Dortmund, is intended to help relieve the existing facility at Grafenhof, which is currently often overloaded and means long waiting times for many drug users. The new room will create space for hygienic conditions so that both inhalation and intravenous consumption can be carried out. This is a further step towards dealing responsibly with the drug problem in the city. This reports Ruhr24.
Mayor Thomas Westphal has emphasized that aggressive beggars in the city center should be brought under control with new measures. On June 17th, an order was presented that allows the municipal public order service (KOD) to impose fines on aggressive beggars. This order is active daily between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. in a specific section of the city center. Anyone who does not adhere to the rules is threatened with a fine of 250 euros, and failure to pay can even result in compulsory imprisonment. Westphal also emphasized that the efforts are not directed against all drug users, but are simply aimed at preventing harassment.
New measures for more order and security
The city has also initiated a test phase for a free toilet truck, which is scheduled to start in the fall. This will be staffed and set up at four central locations in the city, including Hansaplatz and St. Peter's Church. Toilet for all should be provided to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Even though there are already some barrier-free toilets, there is a lack of use of them. A technical discussion at the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction highlighted the city-specific challenges in which drug use in public spaces played a role. Minister Klara Geywitz emphasized that it is important not to stigmatize drug use and to provide offers of help.
The discussion about drug use is not only spreading in Dortmund. Drug consumption in public spaces also represents a major challenge in other large cities such as Cologne and Hamburg. Parks, squares and train stations as well as vacant lots and building entrances are affected by this problem. Child protection and safety remain important issues, as syringes can often be left lying around in these areas that have not been put away. This doesn't protect anyone and endangers the carefree nature of the playgrounds - a topic that also came up in technical discussions.
Ultimately, it is clear that cities must increasingly address the issue of drug use in order to ensure a safe and attractive public space for everyone. Creative cooperation is required when it comes to meeting the needs of drug users and at the same time increasing security in cities. Further experiences from other cities will be incorporated into urban development funding and could help to sustainably improve the situation. It is therefore exciting to see how developments will develop in Dortmund and beyond.