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Mthabisi Tshuma recently in Chivu
TELECOMMUNICATIONS regulator Potraz has provided relief to accident victims on the Beitbridge-Harare Highway through donation of critical medicines.
Potraz on Thursday donated products that include 50 blankets, 50 sheets, 50 mattresses and medicine costing $US70 000 for patients with BP, diabetes and mental health diseases to Chivhu General Hospital.
Addressing attendees, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dr Tatenda Mavetera who is also Chikomba West legislator- under which the hospital falls- said the donation came timely as the festive season has approached.
“The Beitbridge-Harare highway is faced with a lot of accidents which mostly are serious and leave people in need of urgent medical attention. This hospital is one of the referrals at the accident scenes.
“The hospital has been faced with a shortage of medication especially to attend to seriously injured patients and with this donation from Potraz we are confident that things will change for the better and this is what President Emmerson Mnangagwa envisages,” said Minister Mavetera.
Potraz acting director general Mr Biggie Chipanhura said every year, they set aside a significant budget towards programmes that help bring sustainable development especially in underdeveloped communities.
“We have many other initiatives that support underprivileged members countrywide. Over the years, the Authority has invested in a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives as it tries to complement Government efforts in combating poverty and transforming communities towards Vision 2030.
“Some of the CSR projects which Potraz has invested in recent years includes drilling and installation of solar-powered boreholes to communities with persistent water challenges, intervention during national disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Cyclone Idai disruptions as well as many other national disasters,” he said.
Mr Chipanhura said Potraz’s corporate social investments are guided by the Authority’s CSR Policy which is premised under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on actively contributing to social and economic development of communities and help build a sustainable way of life for marginalised sections.
Chivhu General Hospital DMO Dr Gift Munjanja said the hospital’s capacity is stretched due to the mine’s presence and increased number of accidents along the Harare-Beitbridge highway, thus the donation is a relief.
“We lack a casualty unit to attend to patients, and with the presence of Manhize Steel Plant Mine, we’ve seen a surge in demand for hospital services.
“Our major challenges are space constraints to manage patients and drug shortages. However, thanks to POTRAZ’s recent donation of medicines, we’re hopeful this will help alleviate some pressure,” said Dr Munjanja.
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