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By Rutendo Mapfumo
The Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro has commended efforts by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) in vaccinating the Hwange community.
Speaking during a tour of HCCL with the Hwange district Covid-19 Taskforce, Dr Mangwiro said the company has made great strides in fighting the pandemic, although there is need to better equip the hospital.
“We will assist the hospital to acquire oxygen, which will assist Covid-19 patients. The hospital will also need some touch ups to meet the needed requirements in the fight against the novel disease,” said Dr Mangwiro.
The deputy minister urged the community of Hwange to cooperate in the vaccination drive as Hwange district is one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic regions.
“Zimbabwe depends on Hwange in terms of coal production and economic development. Hwange is important to the economy of Zimbabwe. We don’t want to relax when it comes to curbing the pandemic and it is important that we don’t lose more lives in Hwange. For business to continue, we need a healthy population. As government we are aware of how important this town is,” he said.
As of yesterday, the district had 1 898 cumulative Covid-19 cases, 556 active cases and 24 deaths.
Dr Mangwiro encouraged the Covid-19 Taskforce to work hand in glove with other stakeholders to combat the pandemic as Hwange district is the province’s hotspot.
Meanwhile, HCCL acting managing director Mr Ray Munangwa told the touring party that all stakeholders in Hwange (all mines included) were prepared to work together in fighting the pandemic.
He said HCCL had reached a milestone in their vaccination programme for their workforce. The company employs 1 965 workers – of which 1 800 have been vaccinated.
“We are encouraging all workers and their dependents to get vaccinated. If one is not vaccinated he/she undergoes a Covid test three times a week,” he said.
Over 47 000 people in the district have received their first dose. About 60 000 more doses are required for the district to meet its vaccination target. Nhau/Indaba
