Edgar Brandt
The private sector continues to help in the fight against the deadly pandemic as the country sees an escalation in the number of cases, hospitalisations and fatalities.
While every contribution makes a difference, Barloworld Equipment Namibia has stepped up with a massive donation of N$1 million toward the national Covid-19 emergency support.
According to Barloworld country manager and director, Elia Nandjiwa, the donation will be used for oxygen supply (N$500 000), ventilators (N$200 000), hospital beds (N$200 000) and personal protective equipment (N$100 000).
Speaking to New Era yesterday, Nandjiwa said the N$1 million will be donated all at once through the private sector initiative spearheaded by the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).
Nandjiwa forms part of the NCCI’s private sector committee tasked to support government’s fight against the pandemic. Nandjiwa added that over the past weekend Barloworld completed preparations for a 100-bed tent facility for Covid-19 patients being set up by the private sector.
“This is a collective initiative by the private sector companies in Namibia. More have pledged and contributed to support our government and nation to fight the current crisis of Covid-19 in an effort to save lives,” said Nandjiwa.
In the same vein, he also requested other businesses that have not yet come on board to do so.
Barloworld Equipment represents world leading brands for earthmoving and marine applications. The company also provides new and Cat-certified used equipment as well as providing technical and logistical support.
The NCCI also recently handed over the first 21 tonne tank of oxygen to government via the health ministry.
This came as the private sector, led by the NCCI, launched an immediate response to tackling the current shortage of medical oxygen to mitigate and minimise the effects of the pandemic in the country, in an effort to restore supply of critical oxygen for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in State and public health facilities. At the oxygen tank handover, NCCI president Bisey /Uirab called upon other businesses to join in the initiative to mount a coordinated assistance to government. Said /Uirab: “The private sector initiative also hopes to dismantle the negative publicity around Covid-19 vaccinations and to lead the drive to vaccinate the Namibian population as soon as possible. We encourage people to take vaccinations as provided by the government. We also call upon the populace to adhere to the laid down Covid-19 protocols in order to slow down the infection rate.”
For more information on how to support the private sector drive tomitigate the risks associated withmedical oxygen supply as well as the shortage of beds, medical supplies and all related equipment as identified by the health ministry during the Covid-19 pandemic in Namibia, please contact the NCCI.