Kagem with Government in Covid-19 fight
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon Richard Musukwa MP was present to accept a donation of medical supplies by Kagem Mining Limited (Kagem) to enhance local efforts to fight Covid-19 in Lufwanyama District.
Mr Musukwa was joined by Copper belt Minister Hon. Japhen Mwakalombe to receive the supplies on behalf of the government at the Nkana Health Centre built by Kagem - operated by London-based Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), which owns 25% of Kagem.
The donation, which is worth K300,000, is part of the company’s wider sustainability policy of giving back to the community, and includes medical oxygen cylinders with regulators, ringer lactates, dextrose saline, normal saline, dextrose, cannulae, surgical face masks, full body protection and face shields for healthcare workers. Other items included gumboots, hand sanitisers, oxygen face masks and heavy-duty gloves.
In addition, the company donated two sets of facemasks for each pupil and staff member at Masasa, Chapula and Kapila Schools, along with five hand-washing stations for each school. 500 face masks were also distributed to community members.
Kagem Mining Ltd Board Chairman Dr Sixtus Mulenga said that the donation would go a long way in helping fight Covid-19 as well as equipping frontline workers and staff with resources at the health centre. "At today’s function, Kagem Mining Limited is donating medical supplies to the government of the Republic of Zambia, which will support the government’s efforts towards the fight and management of the Covid-19 pandemic," said Dr Mulenga.
"This initiative is in line with Kagem Mining and Gemfields Ltd’s corporate social responsibility framework of ploughing back to the communities in which we operate, and the Zambian society at large, as we make our contribution to the long-term sustainable economic development of Zambia."
As of June 19, 2020, Zambia has recorded 1,430 cumulative cases of Covid-19, with 11 deaths, 225 active cases and 1,194 recoveries, according to the Ministry of Health. Mr Musukwa said the government was happy that private sector companies were contributing towards fighting the virus and expressed thanks to Kagem for its donation.
"My Ministry heartily congratulates Kagem on their meaningful efforts, particularly in the areas of health and education, as we witness the official handover of much-needed materials and equipment in support of government’s fight against Covid-19,” he said.
