By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Sinomine owned Bikita Minerals Company recently commissioned its US$1 million state-of-the art clinic, a development that is meant to improve health care for the mining community and the province at large.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on November 19, Bikita Minerals managing director, Xuedong Gong said the company decided to invest in healthcare as demand for it had increased with an expanded workforce.
“The number of employees at the mine was 250 and that number has increased to 1 081employees this year, if we add the members of our contractors, it can go up to 2 500 people. We realized our clinic was no longer able to meet our health and wellness needs, so we invested over US$1 million in the construction and refurbishment of the clinic.
“The mine has been investing in various environmental and social governance issues in the community that include education, facilitation of water borehole drilling, health initiatives, road power generation and empowerment through chief community funds. As a company we believe the well-being of the community we serve is important as they are the backbone of the work we do every day,” said Gong.
Gong also spoke about the company’s future plans involving a multi-million dollar smelting plant for value addition.
“Being the largest regional mining company, we have been experiencing challenges that include deprived region prices on the international market, which has made it difficult for the company to carry out some projects we intended to undertake. However, the company is committed to setting up a US$400 million smelting plant over the next four years
“The smelting plant will further add value to our region from the current manifestation process. We have already submitted our proposal for the smelter to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and we are working on the feasibility studies of the plant and continue to work towards achieving our target,” said Gong.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Marozva said he was happy because the clinic would benefit the community and the initiators of this clinic.
“We really appreciate that the clinic is going to serve its employees and members of the community. We used to travel to Silveira Mission or Masvingo General Hospital for medical attention but with this facility we are now accessing improved healthcare. A healthy workforce is essential for achieving 100 percent production,” said Marozva.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira said Bikita Minerals clinic will operate as private urban clinic aligning with national development goals.
“I am informed that the clinic will offer services just like those offered in private clinics in urban areas, thus contributing immensely to the achievement of Knowledge Based Prosperous and Empowered Upper-Middle Income Society by 2030.
“I urge all development partners, business communities and private sector companies to continue with this same trajectory that has been taken by Bikita Minerals until the vision envisaged by our President is realized.
“The newly constructed clinic has a casualty, observation, dressing and doctors’ rooms. The facility has male, female and labour wards. The coming on board of this clinic in Bikita District is an addition to the 28 health care centres that are in the District,” said Chadzamira.
He mentioned that the Health Centre benefited local communities, supported by government initiatives to enhance primary healthcare access. In addition, Bikita Minerals engaged in health sector activities, providing clinic materials and assisting Cyclone Idai victims.
“We believe this health care centre will go a long way in assisting our communities here in Bikita, Gutu and part of Zaka. The Government, through the national budget, has targeted interventions aimed at providing primary health care through the construction and rehabilitation of 50 clinics this year targeting the underserviced areas, the Government will also ensure that the referral system is reinvigorated to decongest the next level of health care.
“Apart from this clinic, Bikita Minerals has been involved in a lot of activities in the health sector, they provided building materials for clinics and assisted victims of Cyclone Idai under the Civil Protection Unit.
“Every quarter the company offers free medical check-up for communities and employees with the Chinese doctors. In October, the company offered free breast cancer screening for women in the mine and surrounding communities.
“The country is committed to the provision of standard health care and quality of life for its citizens, specifically targeting health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care,” said Chadzamira.
