Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
Chimona Mining Company has taken proactive steps to address Zimbabwe’s ongoing cholera outbreak, prioritizing the health and safety of its workers and the local community.
The Company’s Managing Director, Mr Marufu Sithole recognized the urgent need for clean water and spearheaded efforts to tackle this critical issue by drilling boreholes across mining communities in the Midlands and Matebeleland.
“We anticipated a potential cholera outbreak at Wanderer Mine, with its population of about 5,000 miners. As a responsible mining company, we took immediate action to provide clean water to the miners and the surrounding community,” Sithole said.
To combat the scarcity of clean water, Chimona Mining Company drilled two boreholes at Wanderer Mine and installed two Jojo tanks capable of storing up to 10,000 liters of clean water.
This initiative ensures that miners and the local population have easy access to safe and clean water, playing a crucial role in preventing the further spread of cholera.
“At Chimona Mining Company, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our workers and the communities we operate in. This cholera outbreak demanded immediate action, and we are pleased to have contributed to the solution,” Sithole emphasized.
The company’s efforts, with a significant investment of approximately US$10,000, demonstrate their commitment to supporting the local community. “By reinvesting in the community, we can collectively overcome challenges like the cholera outbreak,” Sithole added.
Chimona Mining Company has also drilled boreholes in three other sites – Umguza, Mfazimithi area, and Inyathi’s Dromoland area. This commitment to providing clean water aims to promote the overall well-being of the communities where the company operates.
The proactive role taken by Chimona Mining Company to combat cholera,comes at a time when Zimbabwe has launched a cholera vaccination campaign to immunize over 2 million people against the waterborne disease, amid an outbreak that has killed hundreds since early last year.
Cholera had killed 452 people and infected a total of 20,446 in the southern African country as of Jan. 24, since the outbreak started in February 2023, according to health ministry statistics. About half of the cases have involved children.
Chimona Mining Company Managing Director Mr Marufu Sithole
Zimbabwe will receive a total of 2.3 million vaccine doses from UNICEF and the World Health Organization to be deployed to 29 of the hardest-hit districts. More than 892,000 doses have already been dispatched, the health ministry said.
Chimona Mining Company’s initiative to provide of clean water makes a significant contribution to the fight against Zimbabwe’s cholera outbreak.
Their prompt action and unwavering dedication to the health and safety of the community set an example for other mining companies during times of crisis.
The importance of clean water in preventing the spread of cholera cannot be understated, and Chimona Mining Company’s efforts underline its significant role in improving public health.
Miners who have benefited from the clean water provided by Chimona Mining Company expressed their gratitude. “Having access to clean water here has made a remarkable difference in our lives. We no longer worry about the risk of contracting cholera from contaminated water sources. Chimona Mining Company has truly improved our situation,” said miner John Madziwa.
“We commend Chimona Mining Company for their swift response to the cholera outbreak. Their commitment to the well-being of their workers and the local community is truly commendable,” stated a fellow mine owner at Wanderer Mine.
“This initiative by Chimona Mining Company is a game-changer for us. Their efforts have improved our living conditions and reduced the risk of cholera. We are grateful for their intervention,” expressed Mr William Masendeke an artisanal miner benefiting from the clean water initiative.
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food.
One of the most effective ways to prevent cholera is by ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water. Clean water not only quenches thirst but also significantly reduces the risk of cholera transmission. Here’s why:
- Eliminates the Source of Transmission: Cholera bacteria thrive in polluted water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and wells contaminated by sewage or fecal matter. By providing clean water, the risk of ingesting the disease-causing bacteria is greatly reduced, thereby eliminating the primary mode of transmission.
- Hygiene and Handwashing: Maintaining proper hygiene, including frequent handwashing, is crucial in preventing cholera. Access to clean water facilitates better sanitary practices, as people can easily wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, or handling food. This simple habit significantly reduces the chances of transmitting the bacteria from contaminated hands to the mouth.
- Safe Food Preparation: Cholera can also be transmitted through contaminated food, especially when prepared or consumed with contaminated water. By having clean water for cooking and food preparation, the risk of ingesting the bacteria with meals is minimized, ensuring safer consumption.
- Improved Sanitation: Alongside clean water, improved sanitation facilities play a vital role in cholera prevention. Safe disposal of fecal matter, proper management of wastewater, and access to adequate sanitation facilities all contribute to reducing contamination of water sources, thus preventing the spread of cholera.
- Enhances Community Health: Access to clean water not only prevents cholera but also improves overall community health. By eradicating waterborne diseases, clean water reduces the burden on healthcare systems, allowing the resources to be directed towards other important health concerns. Furthermore, it promotes general well-being, leading to increased productivity and socioeconomic development.