By Amanda Mavhaza, ZiMining Reporter
The largest privately owned coal producer, Makomo Resources is committed to developing the communities they operate from and has upped its Community Social Responsibility (CSR) programs for areas around their mine in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province.
Makomo, which supplies coal to Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) , industrial and agricultural sectors, has brought a new lease of life to areas around their mine by refurbishing two local schools and infrastructure in the area.
Besides the Makomo School of Excellence, the Mine has refurbished Chilanga Primary School and Nekatambe Secondary School.
Makomo also launched a feeding scheme to supply school learners with well-balanced and nutritional meals.
“By investing in coal , we are building a sustainable future for the people of Zimbabwe, providing an energy source that will enable revival and creation of its industries.
“Makomo strives to play a part in sustainable social development and upliftment in the communities we operate in.
“We recognise the importance of community consultation, and when undertaking any exploration or development activity, we facilitate the involvement and awareness of relevant leaders and communities.
“Education is one of the essential pillars in building a successful country, and we take a strong position in participating in the drive towards providing and improving education in local communities.”
Makomo Resources has also committed to poverty alleviation strategies by assisting communities around the mine with gardens.
An arrangement with St Mary’s Hospital in Lukosi to provide a mobile clinic has brought joy to the community as they can now enjoy easy access to medication.
“Makomo is committed to health, safety and the environment because we believe our long-term success depends on sustainable initiatives. We have adopted a policy of responsible and proactive environmental management, and work hard to ensure compliance with relevant legislative obligations.
“Makomo rehabilitates mined areas with trees including indigenous Mopane, Munyi, and Baobab. Fruit trees are also introduced, for nutritional reasons, into the rehabilitated areas.”
Makomo Resources has also helped in resuscitation of water pumps for the Sinamatela National Park.
“We have joined with Sinamatela National Park to help with resuscitation of the water pumping project at Masuma Pan, and are partly sponsoring fuel for the diesel pumps that ensure water supply to the Pan. To this end, we have sponsored refurbishment of Masuma Dam and picnic site, and scooping of the Pan silt, helping the diverse wildlife population to thrive. Makomo also actively fights rhino poaching by granting the Bhejane Trust the fuel they require to monitor Black Rhinos in the park.”
As they say charity begins at home, Makomo Resources provides the best for its employees.
“Our workers receive industry-standard safety work uniforms and undergo Safety and Health Induction to ensure compliance and accountability.
“Sprinklers are installed to reduce the dust particles produced at the crushing plant. This has significantly improved the working environment.
“A balanced, nutritious meal is an important part of a mine worker’s daily life. We provide more than 2000 meals every day to our workers; these are prepared at the mine’s canteen.
“A clinic provides health education and medical examinations stipulated by the Mining and Health Regulations of Zimbabwe. We sponsor employees in the Victoria Falls Marathon and our own Makomo Resources Soccer Team.”
