Staff Writer
Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb has reaffirmed its support to the Tsumeb community by making a N$5 million investment to the Tsumeb District hospital to improve COVID-19 preparedness .
The donation follows the declaration of a State of Emergency over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Tuesday, 17 March 2020 by His Excellency Dr. Hage G Geingob President of the Republic of Namibia in support of the Mining Industry’s efforts to partner with the government’s initiative to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The upgrades will improve the preparedness levels of the hospital should the COVID-19 virus be detected in Tsumeb or the Oshikoto region and include:
•Decontamination facility.
•COVID-19 screening rooms.
•Refurbishment of existing ward.
•First fill of the liquid oxygen tank.
•Reception are and testing facility.
•Procurement of hospital equipment.
•Living quarters for the health personnel.
•Cloth masks for 500 community members.
•Installation of oxygen distribution system in the existing ward.
•Repair and upgrade of the Tsumeb State Hospital’s ambulance.
The upgraded isolation wards at the hospital, will help health care workers in the fight against the corona virus pandemic. The Company also provided support towards the awareness campaign of the Ministry of Health and Social Services by printing and helping distribute communication material about COVID-19.
In his keynote address, Hon. Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services extended his delight and sincere gratitude towards Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb for their generous support to strengthening measures to combat COVID-19 in the region, should it present itself.
“This investment has come at the right time and compliments the Ministry of Health and Social Services efforts to mitigate and contain the virus. On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Services I am honored to express my appreciation and thanks for your unwavering support and commitment. We are honored and humbled to have such big and supporting partners in your esteemed personnel and committees working so hard to ensure that the hospital is meeting the demand in response to COVID-19 pandemic readiness” said Kalumbi.
Kalumbi assured Dundee that, the health workers would guard the infrastructure and equipment jealously to make a difference in the Oshikoto region and Namibia at large. “Your unwavering support is not going unnoticed. We are happy that your esteemed company is and will remain and leave the legacy as one of the best ever Public Private Partners in the Country” he concluded.
Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb Vice President and Managing Director, Zebra Kasete said the company is committed to safeguarding the health of its workforce and local communities, managing supply chains and addressing the risks posed by the pandemic.
“We have taken this approach because hospitals are the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 and the warriors are the dedicated doctors, nurses and technicians who need our support. In this fight, we are proud to be part of their “supply line” to help them conquer a determined and deadly foe. Our frontline health workers have more than earned our gratitude and support.” Kasete said.
“Humans are adaptable creatures, more than we perhaps think. The past few months have been stressful on many people, but I am confident in our resiliency, our shared commitment to a better tomorrow and grateful that our company can play a role in making our hospital better prepared to manage the virus” added Kasete.
