Statement by the Managing Director of Rössing Uranium, Mr Johan Coetzee
CNUC Rössing Uranium’s managing director, Johan Coetzee, said in a statement today at the ceremonial handover of an oxygen generator plant for the new COVID-19 isolation facility at Walvis Bay that as a responsible employer, CNUC Rössing Uranium supports the Namibian Government’s initiatives to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Namibia.
 |
 |
 |
| Rössing Uranium's MD, Johan Coetzee (right in photo) at the oxygen generator plant handover to the new COVID 19 isolation facility, Walvis Bay, on 15 April 2020. |
Rössing Uranium's MD, Johan Coetzee, delivering a statement on 15 April 2020 at the handover of an oxygen plant at the new COVID 19 isolation facility at Walvis Bay. |
The inside of the N$4.5 million oxygen generator plant made available by Rössing Uranium to the new COVID 19 isolation facility in Walvis Bay on 15 April 2020. |
“The oxygen generator plant delivered today, manufactured in Windhoek, is purchased by CNUC Rössing Uranium at a cost of around N$4.5 million, and will be made available to supply oxygen to about 75 to 80 of the 150 beds in the new isolation facility. When the isolation facility has served its purpose, the oxygen plant can be removed to be donated to a state hospital of our choice in the Erongo region.
The event was attended by the Governor of the Erongo region and various regional and local government as well as private sector representatives, at the site where the COVID-19 isolation unit is currently under construction in Walvis Bay.
“Thank you for the opportunity to share with you the good news about a contribution CNUC Rössing Uranium is making today, albeit for a reason which we all wish did not exist. This reason of course is the existence of the coronavirus pandemic, commonly known as COVID-19, and the severe steps that we all have to take to combat the spread of this disease.
“We have seen the unsympathetic destruction this disease is causing all over the world, and presently, while it appears to be stagnant for just over a week, it is believed it might slowly creep up and infiltrate Namibia.
Johan said that actions all over the world have shown that proper, timely planning can save lives and I want to express my gratitude to the Government of Namibia, at Central, Regional and Local level, working together with the business community, for putting measures in place to save the lives of our people. I wish to especially recognize the Corona Care Campaign, which is a fund launched by the Welwitschia Hospital.
He said: “When the prospect came to us to consider making available an oxygen plant for the new coronavirus isolation facility at Walvis Bay, CNUC Rössing Uranium grabbed the opportunity to contribute, with the full support of our majority shareholder, China National Uranium Corporation Limited (CNUC) and the Rössing Board of Directors. As you may know, CNUC acquired the majority shareholding in Rössing Uranium in July 2019, and has since given significant support to our operational needs to secure the future of the mine, and making worthy contributions in the livelihoods of the communities in which we operate.
“Many of our 1,000 permanent employees and about 1,000 contractor employees and their families are part of the coastal community, and as a responsible mining operation it is our duty to support Government and private sector initiatives, especially when it comes to the health, safety and wellbeing of our coastal community.
Rössing Uranium’s MD said that the new COVID-19 isolation facility will serve the communities of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and Arandis.
“It is still unknown if Namibia will have large numbers of COVID-19 patients that will require oxygen as part of their treatment, but as stated earlier, it is best to be prepared and have the necessary treatment facilities in place should we need it.
“As you are aware, Rössing Uranium have started introducing various measures to reduce the potential exposure to COVID-19 among our employees and contractors at the workplace since January 2020.
“This was done by implementing control measures as prescribed by the World Health Organisation, later further enhancing these measures by complying with the State of Emergency and other Government directives.
“As such, Rössing Uranium see the handover of this oxygen generator plant as an extension of our work in further reducing the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our coastal community.
Johan said that on behalf of Rössing Uranium’s shareholders, senior management and all employees we want to thank you for the opportunity to contribute towards this project and we wish all stakeholders all the best in the planning and construction of this COVID-19 isolation unit, especially our medical fraternity who will be at the forefront of this pandemic.
Johan Coetzee
Manager Director
Rössing Uranium Limited
Issued by & enquiries:
Daylight Ekandjo
Manager: Partnerships, Communication and External Affairs
Rössing Uranium Limited
daylight.ekandjo@rossing.com.na
Cell: +264 (0)81 6392950