The Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe delivered free health medical services at Herbert Chitepo Primary School in Zvimba at the weekend while the Chinese embassy donated solar lights, agricultural inputs, and groceries to locals.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding told the delegates, who included Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, that donations were part of its mission to reposition the country back to its status as the region’s bread basket.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy profound traditional friendship. The two countries once fought side by side for Zimbabwe’s national liberation and independence decades ago. Since then, the friendship between our two countries has stood the test of time,” the ambassador said.
“As Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend, China’s consistent support not only covers huge projects like the National Stadium, the Parliament Building, the airports, the power stations, but also reaches people’s lives and grassroots communities.
China, he said, planned to give more aid valued at US$10 million to the most vulnerable communities in response to Zimbabwe’s food shortages caused by the El Nino-induced drought, after earlier donations valued at US$6 million.
“To further promote rural development and poverty reduction, after completing the 1 000 Boreholes Drilling Project, we are implementing another 300 boreholes project supported by a Chinese government grant,” Ambassador Ding said.
“In the next couple of years, we also intend to launch a project aiming at building a large number of Solar-Powered facilities including classrooms and clinics in rural areas. In the past year, our embassy has also launched a series of programs of youth and women empowerment which have benefited thousands of families in different communities, including those affected by the recent devastating fire at the Mbare Musika in Harare.”
He said the embassy was initially donating 1,000 solar lanterns to different rural communities.
“It is our sincere hope that these lanterns will brighten up our children’s reading desks in the evening, illuminate families’ gatherings, and light up the path for those walking at night. I hope that the solar lighting programme can make our brothers and sisters’ lives better and brighter,” the ambassador said.
The Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe also conducted free health check-ups at the function.