Brilliant Mukaro
BIKITA –Bikita Minerals which has been quietly raking in billions of dollars from minerals in the district since 1911 when tin mining started and eventually lithium in the 1950s has been challenged to plough back to the community by upgrading the rural clinic in the area.
Residents gathered for a Mining Indaba organised by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches on Wednesday told Bikita Minerals to upgrade Bikita Rural Hospital which is the sole government hospital in the district.
The residents made the clarion call to Collen Nikisi, the company’s public relations officer.
The residents complained that they have nothing to show as a district despite being home to one of the largest lithium mines in the world.
Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson Berlina Sithole said it is worrying that the district relies on mission hospitals like Silveira and Mashoko while, Bikita Hospital operates like a clinic.
Bikita Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Masvingo Province having been established almost the same time as Ndanga.
Ndanga has improved and is one of the most reliable government hospitals that offers quality health care.
“We plead with Bikita Minerals to consider upgrading Bikita Rural Hospital. It is worrying that the hospital is operating like a clinic. It is our wish that it be upgraded to the standards of Ndanga”, said Sithole.
Nikisi said his company has received a request from Masvingo General Hospital which also want help from the multimillion mining concern.
He however urged the residents to put their request in writing so that the mine will consider budgeting for the project in their next CSR disbursement.
“The upgrading of Bikita Rural Hospital is a noble idea however we received the same request from Masvingo General Hospital, I urge you to put your request in writing and keep on lobbying for the project to be considered in our next disbursements,” said Nikisi.
