United Against Adversity

Chinese companies join the fight against COVID-19 throughout Africa

- Ge Lijun

At a Chinese electricity project deep inside Uganda, Muzinga Hamis and his colleagues put up numerous signs reminding staff and villagers to wear masks, practice social distancing, and check their body temperature daily. Their goal is to promote the idea of self-protection and being responsible for the health of others.

“I learned from the press that China has made great strides in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. While fighting the pandemic within its borders, China has also provided assistance to countries in need,” Hamis told ChinAfrica.

He has been working as a Community Liaison Officer for the Isimba Hydro Power Project since May 2016. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, his focus has been to raise awareness about the risks of the coronavirus and to inform project staff and surrounding communities how to protect themselves against this global threat. In fact, as the pandemic is spreading on the African continent, many Chinese companies and organizations have been supporting their African host countries by donating medical supplies and personal protective equipment, and sending groups of medical experts to joint in the fight against the virus.

Socially responsible

On September 6, 2013, the China International Water and Electric Corp. (CWE), a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corp., and the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development signed a contract for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the Isimba Hydro Power Project. The project is located on the White Nile, about 50 km downstream from Lake Victoria. The plant was commissioned and handed over to the Ugandan Government in March 2019. Currently, the company is engaged in the construction of a bridge over the Nile, downstream from the power station.