Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Sunday News Reporter
PRIVATE public partnerships continue to carry the day for rural development initiatives with Mvimi Safaris donating an assortment of building materials worth US$20 000 to Bulilima Rural District Council meant to improve service delivery in the countryside.
The donation, which includes 500 bags of cement, 48 door frames, brick force, window frames and fencing materials, is expected to support construction projects being undertaken in communities across the district.
Mvimi Safaris, Bulilima RDC’s designated safari operator, made the donation last Wednesday during the commissioning of new service delivery equipment and council offices by Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga.
The safari operator has also funded the construction of the council’s extended offices at a cost of US$105 433, further strengthening its contribution to development in the district.
Mvimi Safaris operations manager Mr Bongani Mathe said the company viewed community development as an integral part of conservation.
“We are pleased to extend our support directly to the communities of Bulilima through the donation of building materials for community projects. At Mvimi Safaris, our main focus is sustainable conservation. We believe that conservation and community development must go hand in hand,” he said.
Mr Mathe said communities living alongside wildlife should benefit meaningfully from the natural resources they help protect.
He said supporting infrastructure development was one way of ensuring that conservation created tangible benefits for surrounding communities.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga welcomed the donation, saying stronger partnerships between Government and the private sector would accelerate development and improve service delivery.
“I wish, at this juncture, to commend Mvimi Safaris for this gesture. The development of our communities cannot be left to Government alone. The private sector, development partners, traditional leaders, communities and stakeholders all have a role to play,” he said.
He said private sector participation was critical in complementing Government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of rural communities.
Bulilima RDC chief executive officer Mr Billiat Mlauzi said the donation would help communities advance several ongoing infrastructure projects.
He said 11 clinics and seven schools were currently under construction in the district, with the donated materials expected to complement resources already being channelled towards the projects.
“We are thrilled to receive such a huge donation from our partner. This material will assist our projects being undertaken by our communities. We have so many such projects and when we get support from other partners it renews their power to do more,” he said.
The donation comes as Bulilima RDC intensifies efforts to improve infrastructure and service delivery through partnerships with Government departments, development partners, traditional leaders, communities and the private sector.
