CHINESE mining concern, David Qiu Investment has started delivering property and equipment it pledged to Hwange Local Board (HLB) as part of a quarry mining agreement.
In 2018, HLB signed a Memorandum of Agreement with David Qiu Investment to allow the latter to embark on a quarry mining operation to produce construction aggregate (gravel) for a period of five years. As part of the agreement the Chinese company will equip Empumalanga Clinic with furniture and equipment worth US$100 000.
“We are very grateful that David Qiu has finally honoured one of its obligations, which it appended to in an agreement we reached with them, when we gave them rights to do quarry mining in our area of jurisdiction,” said HLB chairman Councillor Nqobile Ocean Mabhena.
David Qiu delivered office furniture comprising chairs, desks, filing cabinets and a 70 inch plasma television set.
The property is part of the equipment pledged by the Chinese company with more expected to be delivered soon.
“We are aware that the outbreak of Covid19 delayed the company to fulfil its commitment. It’s our hope that the company expedite the shipping of the remaining items to enable us to maintain the cordial relationship we have enjoined with them to date,” said Clr Mabhena.
He said there was a need for the clinic to be fully-equipped, so as to ensure it effectively satisfies the community’s healthcare needs.
“We are still expecting more to come from David Qiu, this includes oxygen cylinders, beds among other health care related equipment. “We are also looking forward to having our maternity ward functioning soon and expect the company to equip it as well as part of its obligation,” said Clr Mabhena.
He noted that since its opening, Empumalanga Clinic has played an integral role in improving primary healthcare in Hwange District.
“Our clinic is one of the most sought after primary healthcare facilities in the district. In actual fact it’s overwhelmed, with patients coming from all over Hwange urban while others flock from nearby rural communities, to receive medical attention,” said Clr Mabhena.
The five-year contract signed between the two parties also entails the Chinese firm to pay 150 tonnes of aggregate stones per month as royalties. Payment of US$20 000 or equivalent at the prevailing auction market exchange rate as rentals annually.
