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Local and Chinese-owned companies are helping Zimbabwe prepare for any coronavirus outbreak, with the Chinese upgrading of Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital almost complete as mobile washbasins are now in place at Harare’s crowded bus terminuses.
Ecosure and Hitbay Sanitation Services have partnered Harare City Council in the initiative.
At Wilkins, the Chinese government, using its private sector, plans to finish the work by the end of next week.
Jin An Corporation managing director Mr David Zhou said his firm had three teams working on the water system, construction and on electric lines and renewing the lights.
“Our guys are working 24 hours a day.”
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo commended the assistance and said when the virus reaches Zimbabwe it could be tackled the way China did.
“We are privileged to be good friends with the Chinese Embassy because they are giving us relevant information on how to deal with the virus, they 100 percent hands on helping us prepare for the Covid-19 so when it comes to Zimbabwe we will be on top of it.”
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun said the gesture is evidence to China’s continued support to Zimbabwe.
“This commitment by the Chinese business community should be commended, we are working with Zimbabwe to fight the Covid-19 because it is the common enemy. Zimbabwe holds a special place in Chinese hearts and we will continue to offer support whenever necessary,” he said.
Ambassador Guo said China was the first nation to introduce drastic measures against the virus.
“The Chinese are preparing us by giving us tests kits, equipment and sending medical teams to Zimbabwe, so when the virus gets in the country we will be ready to deal with it.”
The desirable hand-washing for the more vulnerable, travellers in crowded public transport, became a lot easier yesterday.
The hand-washing basins supplied by Ecosure and Hitbay Sanitation are designed to raise hygienic standards and encourage the culture of washing hands. The Harare City and Clean City have disinfected the city’s bus terminuses, a move applauded by residents.
The partners encouraged citizens to avoid vandalism of the hand-washing basins.
Lawyers have since suggested courts could be decongested if suspects are brought to court by way of summons.
Mr Tinofara Kudakwashe Hove put the suggestion forward while representing former Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) spokesperson, Elizabeth Banda in a fuel corruption case involving US$1,2 million.
Banda is being jointly charged with Gloew Trading Company supervisor Raymond Mazodze and Vongai Mabvikare on fraud charges.
Mr Hove made the call before Harare magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa while making an application for removal from remand.
Ms Mugwagwa will make a ruling on his application tomorrow.
Harare spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme said: “The new coronavirus was detectable for up to four hours on copper and two to three days on plastic and stainless steel, and for up to 24 hours on cardboard hence it is necessary for city fathers to try and disinfect major hotspots that people frequent.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has set up reaction groups aimed at ensuring that all directives and regulations meant to step up the safety and security of citizens are prioritised in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday appealed for cooperation from the public.
“The Government’s ban of gatherings of at least 100 people, be it at church, music, soccer and any other gatherings should therefore be observed,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the nurses and medical staff under the Zimbabwe Republic Police are being trained at the Ministry of Health and Child care and City of Harare facilities in order to professionally manage cases of COVID-19 and the screening of visitors to police establishments,” he said.
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