Government commissions Bikita Minerals Clinic
Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
Government has commissioned a clinic worth US$1 million constructed by Bikita Minerals Company to serve its employees and the community.
The newly established healthcare facility which will serve communities from parts of Bikita, Gutu, Zaka and employees of Bikita Minerals is equipped with medical equipment that will ensure improved access to quality healthcare.
“We are excited that the clinic commissioned today is not only going to serve Bikita Minerals employees but also community members. We used to travel to Silveira Mission or Masvingo General Hospital for medical attention but with this facility we are now accessing improved healthcare,” said a community member.
Officially commissioning the clinic, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira commended companies like Bikita Minerals for supporting government in ensuring improved livelihoods of citizens.
“The commissioning of this clinic points to good corporate social responsibility. We encourage companies to support government’s vision of ensuring an upper middle-income society by 2030. This clinic will add on to the 28 existing healthcare centres in Bikita District hence it is a milestone worth celebrating,” he said.
Bikita Minerals managing director, Mr Xuedong Gong said they are committed to ensuring a health workforce at the same time fulfilling their corporate social responsibility through establishing healthcare centres in surrounding area of their operations.
“Our old clinic was no longer able to serve our workforce and the community given that the company continue to expand. We invested more than one million United States Dollars to come up with this facility which we believe will go a long way in ensuring improved access to healthcare. As a company we are looking forward to continue expanding our operations here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Lithium giant, Bikita Minerals continues to expand their operations in the country with prospects of establishing a US$400 to US$500 million lithium smelting plant.
In ensuring access to healthcare facilities, government and its partners have been establishing clinics and hospitals throughout the country.
