JAPAN has surpassed the $ 9 million mark in contributions aimed at uplifting the lives of marginalised communities in Zimbabwe especially in areas of human security threats, Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Toshiyuki Iwado has revealed.
BY TINOTENDA MUNYUKWI/ Tafadzwa Mutacha
Speaking during handover of an extended $213 000 to three non-governmental organisations under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects Scheme (GGP), Iwado said since 1989 Japan has contributed towards 118 projects.
“These projects are funded under Japan’s GGP scheme and since this scheme was launched in 1989, 118 projects have been implemented with over $9 million provided in funding. The purpose of the scheme is to support Zimbabwe’s development from the grassroots level and improve the human security of the Zimbabwean people,” Iwado said.
The current $213 000 will assists Mushumbi Primary School in Mbire district with ablution facilities ($64 829), Nzeve deaf children centre in Mutare with a training centre ($54 408) and Rozaria Memorial Trust in Murewa with a counselling centre ($89 839). Iwado expressed optimism that the projects would improve human security of vulnerable groups at various levels, including for people with special needs underlining the need by the Zimbabwean community to embrace a sense of ownership for these donor funded projects.
“Ownership of the projects by the community is vital, through the NGO’s, the local government and the community working together right from the beginning,” he said.
Meanwhile, Japan has donated a new cutting edge X-ray machine to Chidamoyo Christian Hospital in Hurungwe district in a bid to provide high quality images that enable more accurate diagnosis.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Iwado said that he was they were happy to introduce the new digital machine to Chidamoyo.
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“Chidamoyo will be able to continue its mission of providing reliable and affordable health care in order to improve the general welfare of the people in Hurungwe and further afield,” Iwado said.
Sister in charge at Chidamoyo hospital, Kathy Mc Carty said the equipment would a go a long in helping the community.
The $100 000 high speed processing machine produces high quality images at a more user friendly approach at a lower cost.
“ The machine will benefit our patients , because right now it costs about $20 to do a fixed film X-ray and this machine donated is digital so we don’t have to print it out if we don’t want it. The cost could be zero for the patient ,so it’s going to make a huge difference because most people from the rural areas don’t have $20,” McCarty said.