Songas boosts government’s fight against COVID-19 with TZS 100 million intervention
Dar es Salaam, April 20 2020
Songas, Tanzania’s leading gas-to-power company, has provided TZS 100 Million to the National Relief Fund to support the government’s efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will go towards the acquisition of essential medical equipment in fighting the Corona virus.
Speaking during the handover, Songas Managing Director, Mr. Anael Samuel said, “We are cognisant that a challenge of this magnitude requires strong partnerships and mobilisation of resources from all areas in order to reach the scale needed to flatten the COVID-19 curve. All of us at Songas are committed to support the government in its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Songas continues to generate cost-effective and reliable electricity during this period and has measures in place to ensure the continuity, safety and wellness of its employees.
This support comes on the back of increasing worry about Africa’s capacity to combat the Coronavirus. According to data provided by AMREF Health Africa, the average readiness in Africa is about 66% and the most significant gaps are in rapid response teams, infection prevention and control, case management, and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). The threat posed to people across the continent is considerable, taking into account Africa’s 1.2 billion people and health systems that are already overburdened with ongoing disease outbreaks and other health issues.
The support was presented to the Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu, who on behalf of the Prime Minister thanked Songas and other companies for their contributions that will complement the government’s efforts in fighting the virus.
Mr. Anael added: “This is a move that we hope will be emulated by other private sector players. We are stronger when we join hands together in the fight against the virus.”
L-R: Sebastian Kastuli (Songas), Hon. Ummy Mwalimu (Minister of Health), Agatha Keenja (Songas) And Anael Samuel (Songas) present the cheque for fight against Covid-19