DAR ES SALAAM: The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration with the government to advance various development projects, particularly those related to health.
Equally, the bank highlighted that the initiative is vital for accelerating national development.
The commitment was emphasized by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, during the inauguration event for the modern Kizimkazi Health Centre in Kusini District, Unguja, Zanzibar.
The facility was constructed in partnership with NBC and various stakeholders, most notably the Samia Foundation and the Ahmed Al Falas Foundation.
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The launch ceremony for the health center valued at 4.4bn/- took place over the weekend and was attended by several key figures in Zanzibar’s government.
Notable the attendees included the Zanzibar Minister of Health, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Permanent Secretary of the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, as well as various senior leaders from both the political party and government.
During the event, Mr Sabi articulated that the bank’s participation in this project aligns with its ongoing citizenship initiatives.
Every year, NBC allocates a portion of its profits to tackle challenges across several sectors, including health, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and employment.
“Over the past three years, NBC Bank has contributed more than 4bn/- to the community. Today, as we inaugurate the Kizimkazi Health Center, we are proud to be one of the major stakeholders in bringing this important facility to life. We have invested 400m/- in the construction of this center, which will greatly enhance access to quality health services for the residents of Kizimkazi and surrounding areas, particularly for mothers and children,” stated Sabi.
Additionally, Mr. Sabi announced that the bank intends to introduce a specialized digital payment system at the health center, which will include Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) terminals. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and simplify payment processes for patients and healthcare providers at the facility.
In response to these efforts, former President Dr Jakaya Kikwete commended the collaboration between private stakeholders and the government in the successful execution of various development projects, particularly those focusing on health.
He acknowledged that such initiatives are essential catalysts for rapid development in the country.
“Collaboration and partnerships between the government and various stakeholders, including private institutions, are the most effective ways to accelerate development for the benefit of the citizens. The partnership between the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Samia Foundation, the Ahmed Al Falas Foundation, and NBC Bank in achieving this project is a continuation of exemplary models that should be emulated… congratulations to all,” commended Dr. Kikwete.
Furthermore, Dr Kikwete, who had the opportunity to visit and inspect various parts of the center, called upon government leaders and the management of the facility to ensure they provide quality services to the community, while also maintaining the center’s infrastructure so it can continue delivering services that align with its founding mission.
Earlier, during the event, Minister Mazrui and his Permanent Secretary, Dr Mngereza stated that the launch marks part of the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, and that the construction of this center will serve 13,000 residents from areas such as Kizimkazi Mkunguni, Kibuteni, Kizimkazi Dimbani, and surrounding areas.
“This facility will serve as a benchmark for quality that will be used in the construction of other centers that will continue to be built in Zanzibar,’ the Minister pointed out.
Speaking at the event, the Member of Parliament for Special Seats in South Unguja and Chairperson of the Women Initiatives Foundation, Ms. Wanu Hafidh Ameir, noted that the construction of the health center will significantly help to bring healthcare services closer to the residents, particularly women, many of whom had been apprehensive about pregnancy due to the distance from healthcare facilities.
“With the establishment of this center, I believe the women in this area will increase their birth rates, as the number of children born here is significantly lower compared to other regions,” said Ms. Wanu.
On her part, the Chairperson of the Samia Foundation, who is also the project engineer, Engineer Fatma Kara, stated that the aim of the Samia Foundation is to ensure that such projects are implemented more widely across various regions of the country.
