Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa-Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
Businessman and philanthropist Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, through his Nehanda-Kaguvi-Lobengula J Muduvuri Foundation, has thrown his weight behind the country’s disaster response and preparedness by providing three new ambulances and access to health facilities across the country in case of disaster.
The decision comes in response to threats of flooding and other disasters forecast by the Meteorological Services Department.
Adverse weather conditions characterised by flooding have affected countries in the region, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi, with Zimbabwe also among those facing the threat.
Cde Muduvuri said he had launched the Nehanda-Kaguvi-Lobengula J Muduvuri Foundation to assist those in distress.
“This is a gesture in support of those in difficult situations, especially the threats of flooding, which have been predicted to affect some parts of the country,” said Cde Muduvuri.
The Government is championing the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach in socio-economic development.
The three fully equipped ambulances have been put on standby, while health centres in Kadoma, Gokwe, Masvingo, Harare, Matabeleland, and Manicaland have been placed on alert in case of disaster.
“These ambulances will attend to disasters as and when they arise, and I will make sure that they are fuelled and the health centres admit people in disasters for free,” he said.
The ambulances, he added, were at the disposal of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).
Philanthropists and the business community have always played a critical role in complementing Government efforts during disasters.
Turning to the Nehanda-Kaguvi-Lobengula J Muduvuri Foundation, Cde Muduvuri said the foundation celebrated the unitary nature of the country and the importance of key historical figures to nationhood.
He said doctors and nurses at the Muduvuri Pan African Hospital (Kadoma), Joshua Nkomo Hospital (Gwanda), ED Mnangagwa Hospital (Chivi), Robert Mugabe Hospital (Mashonaland West), and Rekayi Tangwena Hospital (Nyanga) were open to assist anyone in need of support.
“We are setting up health centres in all the country’s 10 provinces, and that should help bring access to services closer to the people at no cost,” he said.
As a businessman and ruling Zanu PF party member, Cde Muduvuri said he felt compelled to step in to help fellow Zimbabweans in distress.
He is already assisting people with disabilities through existing health facilities under the Muduvuri Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation and the People with Disabilities for ED initiative.
The programmes, he said, were aimed at ensuring that no one fails to get assistance when they need it, in line with the “leaving no one and no place behind” mantra.
