Anthony Muzondo
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the area of healthcare services, Bikita Minerals recently opened a modern clinic which it built for the Marozva community.
The clinic, which has maternal beds, was officially opened by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira on November 19, 2024.
In his keynote address, Chadzamira praised Bikita Minerals for the work which he said was responsive to government’s efforts to improve national health care services.
“We are gathered here to witness one of the strides towards achieving NDS1’s goal of improving primary and secondary healthcare and environmental services delivery,” said Chadzamira, referring to the National Development Strategy 1 policy document.
He highlighted that access to health was a fundamental human right enshrined in Zimbabwe’s constitution.
In his speech Bikita Minerals Managing Director Xuedong Gong said the company was committed to improving the community’s well-being which he said incorporated economic success as well as social and environmental stewardship.
“As a company, we believe that the well-being of the community we serve is crucial to our daily operations,” said Xuedong.
He said Bikita Minerals was committed to investing around US$400-500 million in setting up a lithium smelter at an approximate cost of US$400-500 million over the next four years.
In his address Chief Marozva, Ishmael Mudhe expressed appreciation to the company for building the clinic and equipping it with modern machinery.
“The clinic will assist individuals within our community to access good healthcare and this will help improve productivity even at the mine,” the traditional leader said.
Thelma Matema, a local resident, said the clinic was to assist during emergencies, and this would benefit women the most.
“It’s a good development for our community, especially during emergencies. Pregnant women now have a maternity home close by and we appreciate that,” said Matema.
