ZCDC makes big impact
ZCDC continues to embark on massive initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of local communities and empowering them as the mining giant underpins its philosophical undertaking across the Chiadzwa and Chimanimani concessions.
In line with international best practices, corporate social responsibility forms part of the main strategic pillars of the company which programmes ZCDC holds in high regard as it balances between the community, stakeholder and national interests in the execution of its business.
In just under two years of operations ZCDC has implemented the following projects for the benefit of the local communities:
◆ Renovated a science laboratory block and installed state-of-theart solar system at Gandauta Secondary School and donated 30 computers in line with the Government ‘s thrust of technological capacity building from grass roots levels.
◆ Erected 128 tombstones at Chitangazuva burial site as well as fencing the area to show respect to the community’s traditional and cultural values.
◆ Over 50 percent of ZCDC’s total workforce is drawn from the local community.
◆ Rehabilitating roads as part of its infrastructure development programs to improve accessibility.
◆ Sponsorship programs for local students are being rolled out to assist the underprivileged with school fees and related educational assistance.
Provision of a solar system for the clinic as well as drugs to assist the local community with free healthcare services.
Water Pipeline Greenbelt Irrigation Project: The Company is working on funding horticultural projects along a 20km water pipe line for villagers to do market gardening projects. ZCDC is also providing value chain support by providing a market for agricultural produce produced by the local community.
The Company will also fund and develop Bee Keeping Projects in surrounding communities as such projects are compatible with the region.
Livestock farming projects like cattle ranching, goat and sheep rearing projects as well as poultry will also be funded and supported under the farming projects initiative. The projects will receive full value chain support from production to markets.
Some of the Infrastructure left by former miners has been reclaimed and used for skills development projects. Work is underway to set ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ up a Vocational Training Centre and a Sewing Factory at one of the erected brick and mortar buildings left desolate by former miners. The sewing project has already kicked off.
A total of 75 women from the neighbouring villages has already undergone training in sewing and will be absorbed into the sewing factory.
ZCDC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Moris Bekezela Mpofu said, “In line with national expectations, ZCDC has embarked on projects aimed at promoting safety health and environmental consciousness which include tree nursery projects, environmental clean-up campaigns (Hotsprings, Tenda Shopping Centre, Sakubva Bus Terminus, Chimanimani Town, Malaria campaigns and prevention programmes with local environmental health technicians, donations of waste disposal bins to surrounding shopping centres.”
He added, “ZCDC is conducting Post Environmental Rehabilitation Agriculture ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆