Chronicle Editor
Locadia Mavhudzi, Midlands Correspondent
Kwekwe Polytechnic, which was recently awarded a Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) Licence is now producing detergents and disinfections, at a time when such essentials are much needed in the response against Covid-19.
The production of Covid-19 preventive gear is an initiative of the Research and Innovation Department which is led by engineer Christine Moyo. Kwekwe polytechnic Principal, Mr Evans Musara said the institution has adopted a culture of research and innovation making sure that all departments are actively involved and carryout research partnerships with other organisations so as to offer sustainable solutions to the current socio-economic challenges facing the country.
“In line with our strategic plan, we are seeking to become a beacon in innovative, technical and manufacturing technology education that is relevant for industry, tailored for entrepreneurship and promotes development by 2030”, he said.
As the world continues to grapple with the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) governments, corporates, institutions and individuals across the world are coming together in an effort to save the lives of infected patients and to protect those that are working on the frontline among them healthcare workers and other essential service providers.
However, due to the disruptive effects of the pandemic, most counties do not have adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitary products which are needed to protect people from exposure. Zimbabwe like most nations has not been spared and is in urgent need of PPE, sanitary products and other medical supplies.
For this reason, the Government has made a clarion call through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development for universities and colleges to spearhead research and innovation aimed at assisting the nation in the fight against Covid-19.
Bongani Ndlovu