ZIMBABWE’s Telecommunications giant, TelOne has pledged US$20 000 and 20 000 liters per day of clean water from a reputable water supplier to further the fight against Cholera in the affected areas.
By Michael Gwarisa
Speaking during the handover event, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo applauded TelOne for extending a helping hand to the Cholera battle.
“To date, we have recorded 4 640 cholera cases up from 3 766 we recorded yesterday. We have an increase of 874 from yesterday.
“We have also recorded 27 deaths. Just today, two deaths were recorded. It is for that reason that we welcome any form of support from companies. We have been vigilant in our response and an emergency response plan has been initiated. We thank TelOne for a huge gesture and we are calling upon more corporates and partners to come on board,” said Dr Moyo.
TelOne managing director, Mrs Chipo Mtasa said they have commenced delivering safe clean water to the Cholera epicentre in Glenview 3, and the process will be ongoing until the situation normalises.
“In response therefore, TelOne has today begun delivering water for residential use and will be delivering at least 20 000 liters per day. The water bowsers are parked at the strategic sites as directed by City of Harare officials and residents are coming through with containers to collect the water.
“The company will continue to sponsor the daily water deliveries until such a time the situation normalise and the outbreak is under control. TelOne is also supporting the government response through funding the pro0curement of commodities for cholera camps including water, IV fluid packs, cannulas and other materials. TelOne has also donated US$20 000 assist in the fight against Cholera,” said Mrs Mtasa.
She added that TelOne is playing its part in the fight against the spread of cholera by pro-actively introducing a staff Cholera fight starter pack which has been distributed to everyone within its 200 member workforce.
“The starter pack comprise of hand sanitizers, water guard, aqua tablets and educational flyers. TelOne values its responsibility to the community and identifies health as one of its four areas of corporate social investment.
“Our support for cholera response comes as we are already working with ministry of health and child care (MoHCC) in supporting hospitals and clinics with materials, establishment of community health posts and medicines.”
Meanwhile, Jambo legal practitioners has also donated 100 000 litres of water to the affected areas, 830 boxes of latex gloves and 100 pairs of gumboots for site monitoring stuff.
Zimnat Insurance has also donated 20 000 litters of water to the affected areas.
