With over 1000km of road network and more than 15 clinics in the district, the Chegutu Rural District council will certainly benefit from the recent Zimplats donation of a 75-horse power tractor, a tow-grader and a fully equipped ambulance. Zimplats has been assisting the Chegutu Rural District council in a number of enhanced service delivery initiatives including assistance with fuel to rehabilitate roads.
In responding to stakeholder requests to provide the Rural District Council with equipment for road maintenance, Zimplats handed over the equipment at a function which was officiated by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs (Mashonaland West), Honorable Mary Mliswa-Chikoka. The Honourable Minister of State expressed her gratitude to the company and reminded everyone present of the need to be united in order to develop communities at grassroots.
Speaking at the occasion, the Zimplats Head of Corporate Affairs Mrs Busi Chindove took the time to highlight Zimplats’ is committment to creating shared value for all its stakeholders. As a development partner, Zimplats can assist local authorities in delivering better services to the communities surrounding the Zimplats operations which are spread between Mhondoro-Ngezi and Chegutu Districts.
“The items donated are a direct response to various requests we have received through our stakeholder engagement efforts. Over the years we have been assisting the district by providing fuel to rehabilitate the road network in the district. Apparently this district has one of the largest road networks in the district. The grader will therefore contribute significantly to improving connectivity,” further highlighted Mrs. Chindove.
Health services delivery will be vastly improved by the donation of the fully equipped ambulance which can be utilised as a mobile clinic. The local authority has ongoing outreach programmes and vaccinations which can be delivered more efficiently with the new ambulance. The ambulance donation is not a once off gesture but a continuation of Zimplats’ ongoing assistance to the Chegutu community in terms of health services delivery.
As Zimplats, we have a responsibility to work with all key stakeholders in turning the economy around. The business continues to develop platforms for dialogue and cooperation in order to improve the livelihoods of communities. The company remains committed to supporting the realisation of a prosperous and empowered middle income economy in 2030 and will continue investing in health, education, income generation & enterprise development as well as developing sports in the community.
