SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO- As part of Barmlo Investments’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company has announced plans to construct a house to Betty Jiri, widow to the late renowned philanthropist Jairos Dambga Jiri.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch, Barmlo Investments director Dr. Banabasi Marambire said Gogo Jiri was a founding figure in the Jairos Jiri Association, working alongside her husband in establishing centers for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
“We have plans to construct a house for Gogo Jiri to honour her philanthropic work in establishing the Jairos Jiri Foundation which has helped many people across the country.
“We are still in the process of securing land to build a beautiful house for her,” he said.
Gogo Jiri (Betty) is a co- founder and pioneer of the Jairos Jiri Foundation, working with her husband Jairos, established the early care centres, making her a key figure in disability support in Zimbabwe.
Her tireless work laid the groundwork for the association, which grew from a single centre to a nationwide network.
For years, her foundational role was minimized, with focus solely on Jairos Jiri, despite her lifelong dedication.
Founded by Jairos Dambga Jiri in 1950, the association provides shelter, training, and care for people with disabilities, continuing the late national hero’s vision for empowerment and inclusion.
The foundation has grown into a major humanitarian agency, serving thousands and supporting vocational training schools and outreach programs.
The company has constructed a house for Gutu comedian Tobias born Obey Rungwe that was handed over to him last week.
Barmlo Investments supplies hardware such as building materials; timber, steel, iron sheets and brick moulding. It is also a construction company.
The company has over 500 employees and is spreading its wings across the borders into Botswana and Zambia.
Barmlo Construction offers flexible construction packages like Pay as you go, which allows clients to pay for labour and materials per stage as work progresses.
The company also offers Kumusha Development Scheme (KDS), a fixed and supply facility with tailored payment terms.
In addition, the company also offers advance payments, where customers will be paying monthly installments towards their projects with work commencing once a predetermined amount is reached per stage.
The company started in 2011 with two branches in Mberengwa district and has now expanded nationwide.
