The Prime Minister Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama today received a donation of 300 thermal guns from Vodafone Fiji Limited and Telecom Fiji Limited. The thermal guns cost $19,500 and the two companies each contributed $9,750 towards this initiative.
The in-kind donation is in response to the Prime Minister’s commitment in Parliament recently to support the Tailevu, Rewa and other provinces in the provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs).
“The private sector has an important role in Government’s response to defeat the virus,” said the Prime Minister.
He added that eliminating the virus requires a whole-of-society approach underpinned by multi-stakeholder partnership. He thanked both Vodafone and Telecom for rising to the call and in supporting Government’s efforts during the pandemic.
“This donation will significantly contribute to Government’s efforts to secure our villages, especially in the three provinces of Tailevu, Rewa and Naitasiri,” said the Prime Minister.
Vodafone Fiji Regional CEO, Mr Pradeep Lal, agreed with the Prime Minister’s approach and stated that helping those in genuine need of PPEs at this time was a no-brainer. “We have a responsibility to give back to society and through this donation, we are fulfilling that obligation,” said Mr Lal.
Telecom Fiji CEO, Mr. Charles Goundar, said that this assistance was the right thing to do at this time because it will help the communities in taking precautionary measures in order to save lives. “We are happy to assist, where possible, in supporting the efforts of Government to combat the spread of this virus,” said Mr Goundar.
Earlier, the Prime Minister received a donation of 5,000 masks from Gold Rock Investment, which was distributed to the 14 provinces by the iTaukei Affairs Board. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will provide sanitisers which will be distributed as well throughout the 14 provinces.
The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to the private sector and reiterated the importance of continuing important pandemic response related partnerships with the private sector in the containment of the recent COVID-19 outbreak and Government’s recovery efforts.