Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZIMBABWE Stock Exchange (ZSE)-listed crocodile farming company, Padenga Holdings Limited, has been complementing the Second Republic’s agenda of leaving no place or person behind by improving education and health services to the Mola community under Nyaminyami Rural District Council in Kariba rural.
Mola, with a population of over 7 000 people, is located 75km south of Kariba town lake and over 300 km by road.
With only four clinics to service the wildlife-infested and sparsely populated villages of Marembera, Mangwara, Dobe Kalundu and Chitenge, Padenga, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, recently conducted a medical outreach programme in the area.
The outreach saw hundreds of villagers access free doctor consultations and medication. Mola has four clinics, including one run by the company at Ume Crocodile Farm.
“We are grateful to the company for conducting the two-day outreach programme, where we had the opportunity to have access to a medical doctor,” said 49-year-old Ms Bvunzai Siamukonde.
“Most of the people here cannot afford to travel to Kariba Urban or Karoi to visit a qualified doctor. This is on top of the consultation fees that are required by some of the doctors.”
Another beneficiary, Ms Esteri Siambura (70), who has arthritis, said the assistance rendered was appreciated.
“I have been longing to visit the doctor in Kariba, but transport costs are beyond the reach of many.
“We require at least US$30 to travel to and from Kariba via the lake, and over US$40 via road. As we struggle to harvest meaningfully yearly due to poor rains and wildlife animals destroying our crops,” she said.
Nyaminyami RDC Ward 2 Cllr, Mr Taiti Bhusumani said the support for education and health was crucial for the community’s development and called for similar initiatives.
Ward 1 Councilor Goodward Siabwanda concurred adding that Padenga was setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility.
“Their contribution is making a real difference in the lives of our people. Padenga’s commitment to community welfare extends beyond health and education,” he said.
Chief Mola, Mr Champion Rare, said the clinics were failing to cope with the demand of his subjects.
“Many people would have suffered without Padenga’s support. Their intervention in healthcare has been lifesaving. Bringing doctors to the area has ensured that residents receive the necessary treatment without having to travel long distances,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa