Massive boost for the Covid-19 fight

Herald Reporter

President Mnangagwa yesterday accepted a wide range of donations and support from Zimbabwean companies and the Chinese Embassy in a ceremony at the State House, with the investigation of the Zimbabwe Covid-19 pandemic now guaranteed.

Sakunda Holdings pledged $ 30 million over six months to fund university research and development.

The firm also delivered the fully-equipped Arundel Hospital, renovated at a cost of $ 2.8 million, and will pay 55 staff for six months. The rest of the company’s gift was 300,000 liters of fuel and $ 3.6 million in protective gear, some still in transit from China, including surgical and face masks, face shields, goggles, disposable gowns, as well as ventilators. emergency, portable ventilators and ultrasound scans.

In accepting the donations, President Mnangagwa said: “On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf, I sincerely and deeply thank you for actually responding not to my appeal, but it is your own individual or collective conscience that has persuaded you to take the actions you have taken.

“I appealed, but if your conscience did not want to come forward to make a contribution to the fight against the pandemic, mitigation against the pandemic, I would do nothing about it, for which my gratitude is directed towards your personal or collective conscience towards your country. ”

Sakunda Holdings CEO Kuda Tagwirei said of his company’s support: “We pray that this gesture will help the fight and ensure our continued support for the Government and the people of Zimbabwe in general in this dark hour,” he said. . .

The Chinese embassy donated 166,000 masks, 7,600 protective suits, 20,000 test kits, 12,000 pairs of gloves and five fans.

Another 8,000 protective suits, 15,095 respirators, 150,000 surgical masks, 7,000 pairs of gloves and shoe covers were expected soon.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun praised the relations between the two countries.

“It is truly gratifying to see that under the enormous stress of Covid-19 disease, the friendship between China and Zimbabwe remains stronger and stronger,” he said.

“China will not forget how Zimbabwe was one of the first to give us confidence and support in the difficult days of our own fight against the virus.”

Ambassador Guo said a team of 11 Chinese expert members in the country was expected to soon help in the fight against the pandemic.

“A few days ago, Zimbabwe and China celebrated the 40th anniversary of the foundation of diplomatic relations,” he said. “Although we were unable to enjoy the day in fanfare, our joint efforts to combat the disease were also a remarkable way to commemorate the milestone.”

Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines President Elizabeth Nerwande said mining companies had managed to raise $ 1 million to buy PPE and equipment including ventilators and hospital beds, while their members had adopted district hospitals and hospitals in which they operate.

Valley Seeds donated 30 tons of sugar grains, while Flexiwood donated mobile storage logs for medications and other miscellaneous items.