By Bernard Mutambudzi
Ethanol producer, Greenfuel has deployed a massive earth-moving machinery that is working round the clock to ensure that the badly damaged Tanganda-Chipinge road becomes accessible soonest, The Harare Post can report.
In an interview at Rutengeni along the Chipinge-Tanganda road, where he was assessing the extent of damage, Greenfuel owner, Mr Billy Rautenbach said machinery and resources needed to repair the badly damaged roads were readily available.
“I came here to assess the extent of damage and as we speak, machinery and other resources needed to repair the roads are on their way.
“We will be able to fix this damaged part of the road in a day or two. The damage was a result of poor drainage, and we only need to remove the debris and replace it with stones and soil. We will then move to other areas, especially in Chimanimani,” said Mr Rautenbach.
Meanwhile, Econet Zimbabwe group of companies has collectively contributed RTGS$5million for the cyclone emergency efforts in Manicaland.
The company has channeled the funds to Higherlife Foundation, which is now deeply embedded in efforts to respond to the crisis.
Dr Kennedy Mubaiwa (MD), who heads the Foundation, said Higherlife was mobilizing various types of support, including rescue efforts, medical emergency aid, food, water and blankets.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe CEO, Mr Douglas Mboweni said each company in the group was pursuing coordinated initiatives based on its own capabilities.
“We are not just providing money but we want all our staff of more than 5 000 to help in some way, using their skills,” he said.
He said EcoSure, the group’s funeral insurance company, was providing free assistance with funeral services such as coffins, transport and food to each bereaved family with no cover.
He also said Mutare Bottling had opened its warehouses to allow logistics support for humanitarian aid coming from Econet subscribers, adding that MARS Ambulance was providing ambulances, air and helicopter support.
Meanwhile, Mr Mboweni said Econet subscribers had responded overwhelmingly to calls for donations in cash and kind.
He said Econet Shops had been receiving blankets, water bottles, dried foods, and medicines.
“We are seeing the best of Zimbabweans coming together in the face of an extraordinary tragedy,” he said.
He urged the public to step up its support, reminding people to remember that it would take a long time to help the affected communities to recover.
Not to be outdone is Netone which has pledged over $50 000 for the purchase of food to provide to those areas heavily affected by the cyclone.
