Stephen Chadenga
Gweru City Parking has donated 10 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities through partnership with the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund as part of the parking management company’s corporate social responsibility programmes.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Town House on Tuesday, City Parking general manager, Alphanette Gemu said as a corporate they had a duty to contribute to the community and improve the lives of residents.
“At Gweru City Parking we firmly believe that our responsibility extends beyond managing parking services,”Gemu said.
“Today’s donation is a small contribution towards enhancing mobility, dignity, independence and quality of life for members of our community who require assistance.
“We recognise that access to mobility aids can make a significant difference in a person’s ability to participate fully in society, access essential services and live with greater confidence and dignity.”
The Gweru City Parking boss said his company was humbled to partner with the Mayor’s Cheer Fund and commended the mayor (Martin Chivhoko) for the initiative, which he said demonstrated compassion and commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in the society.
“As Gweru City Parking we remain committed to supporting community development initiatives and working collaboratively with stakeholders to build a more inclusive, caring and prosperous city for all and we sincerely hope that these wheelchairs will bring comfort, mobility and renewed hope to the beneficiaries and their families,”he said.
Mayor Martin Chivhoko applauded Gweru City Parking for the partnership, adding that it resonated well with council’s vision to be a “people centred globally competitive smart city” where services are accessed by all, especially the most vulnerable groups.
“This donation, which includes these vital wheelchairs is a sterling example of corporate social responsibility at its finest and demonstrates that the private sector can be a true partner in development and service delivery,”Chivhoko said.
He said the partnership with Gweru City Parking has over the years paid dividends as it has proved to go beyond the primary mandate of managing parking to showing consistency and commitment in giving back to society.
“This is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in enhancing the lives of our residents,”he said.
Gweru-based disability advocate, Nigel Tahwa also commended the gesture which he described as a “commitment to social inclusion of people with disabilities” in all facets of life.