TEMBO Nickel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ngara District Council worth 257.69m/- for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that will be supported in 2023.
Speaking shortly before the MoU signing in Ngara recently, Tembo Nickel Chief Operating Officer (COO) Manny Ramos said the areas of focus will be health and education.
“This significant commitment comes in less than a month since Tembo Nickel handed over last year’s projects worth 208m/- to Ngara DC.
“We have not begun production yet, nor are we making any profit, but our aim is to continue to support areas of priority to the best of our ability that have been identified by our communities and stakeholders.
He said Tembo Nickel will support 10 projects of which nine will be in the education sector and one in health.
He elaborated that there will be support for construction, completion and renovation of eight primary schools, the purchase of 225 desks for primary schools and the purchase of 80 chairs and desks for Rulenge Secondary school.
In addition, two modern toilets will be constructed for primary schools, each with 8 latrines. Rain water harvest at Chief Nsoro Secondary School will also be supported. On the side of support for the health sector, a maternity ward will be constructed.
“Tembo Nickel’s support and commitment to community development is beyond Corporate Social Responsibility. We will continue to cooperate and identify areas which need close involvement with government, so we can ensure sustainable development for communities and the country in general.
“Tembo Nickel is delighted to join forces with Ngara District Council and all its stakeholders so that shared value and benefits are realised over time,” said Ramos.
On his part, Ngara District Executive Director (DED), Solomoni Kimilike said the whole process of identifying the projects was very participatory from community level, where the priorities were highlighted.
He stressed that these projects will go a long way to reducing the current challenges faced because they have touched on areas of enormous need. He remained confident that the projects will be completed in a timely manner.
On the part of Ngara District Administrative Secretary, Veduastus Tibaijuka, who was representing Ngara District Commissioner, Col Mathias Kahabi said he expects the projects to be carried out with honesty and integrity.
“Those in the community have been clearly told what your contribution should be, please be serious about delivering on your promise. We believe Tembo Nickel will ensure the best standards and that these projects will be completed by December” he said.
Mumiramira dispensary doctor in charge, Halima Iddi, said the construction of a maternity ward in Mumiramira village, Bugarama Ward will save a lot of women’s lives.
“We are very grateful to Tembo Nickel for committing to construct a maternity ward, this is great news. We are happy to have been seen. We have received the lion’s share of the budget. This project is a life saver for women in this village and ward in general,” she reiterated.
The Head Master of Chifu Nsolo Secondary school in Bugarama Ward, God Salvatory, said he believes the water shortage problem at the school will soon be solved after being supported with the construction of a rain water harvest system.
“Currently we have an acute water shortage problem, students have to come with water cans from home, this project will end all that, we finally have a solution,” said teacher Salvatory.
