Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi
Zimpapers Politics Hub
BIKITA Minerals, a subsidiary of the Chinese Company, Sinomine Group, has invested US$22 million to boost energy supply for its operations and for communities living in Bikita district and surrounding areas.
The company is also ramping up its corporate social responsibility programmes after committing US$1 million for a modern health centre.
In a statement, Bikita Minerals spokesperson Mr Collen Nikisi said: “We have invested US$22 million to improve energy supply.
“From this amount, US$20 million was for the construction of a 132 KVA 112-kilometre powerline from Mashava to Bikita Minerals.
“In addition, US$2 million was allocated for the rural electrification programme for Bikita, Gutu and Zaka.”
According to Mr Nikisi, the electrification project is expected to be completed by December.
The company is working on water and sanitation projects and has so far drilled 38 boreholes in Masvingo to reduce water challenges in the province.
Also, Bikita Minerals has funded the construction of two primary school classroom blocks and staff quarters. To date, two houses have been donated to Zvido and Sanangwe schools, while the company also donated building materials to Makwirivindi Primary school.
Mr Nikisi said they have also provided support to the health sector by funding the construction of the US$1 million state-of-the-art health centre.
Further, the company is investing in children in Bikita District by providing nutritious drinks for primary school learners.
Bikita Minerals started the nutritious drinks project in 2022 when they realised that there were high school dropouts in the district. Maheu drinks and other foodstuffs are being distributed at 12 schools with over 5 000 pupils benefiting.
A representative of Domboshava Primary School in Bikita district said the nutritional programme has had a positive impact on the pupils’ attendance.
