Part of the funds will be used for a renovation project at St Francis.
Attention will also be given to painting the adult hospice and children’s sections; painting the training centre; tiling and refurbishing the bathrooms in the adult hospice; maintenance of the UVGI lighting in the adult hospice (important for infection control); and purchasing a new compressor for the cold room.
The Ales Shikkui paint that will be used in the project is a completely new product that has been developed by Kansai Plascon.
“It is the first time that this product is entering Africa and being used in South Africa,” said Kansai Plascon CEO Nauman Malik.
The antivirus and antibacterial paint absorbs bacteria and viruses into small holes on its surface and plays a big role in the elimination of harmful organisms.
It also purifies the air, thus assisting greatly in infection control in institutions such as hospitals, clinics and hospices.
“We are looking forward to and are excited to see the results of this product,” said Malik.
With the high incidence of TB in South Africa (and bearing in mind that TB is an airborne disease), infection control has become a priority for all service providers.
The use of this product will thus be a groundbreaking experience not only for Kansai Plascon and St Francis Care Centre, but also for the rest of South Africa.
“The centre expresses its sincerest appreciation to the Japanese Embassy for their financial and moral support and looks forward to a fruitful working relationship,” said centre manager Tilly Brouwer.
“The Japanese Embassy and the people of Japan have had a close relationship with the St Francis Care Centre for many years and have assisted to sustain and develop the services rendered by the centre.”
Shigeyuki Hiroki, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, said at the grant contract signing ceremony that it is the Japanese Embassy’s hope that this special paint will make an important health contribution by assisting health institutions in South Africa.
“My heart belongs to St Francis Care Centre. It is our honour to be part of this groundbreaking project and we trust that this upgrade will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life of St Francis patients,” he said.
Managing director for W Voigt, Peter Steele, told the Advertiser that the company is happy to be involved with this project.
“It is going to be a difficult challenge, but we will do our best to make it as painless as possible,” he said.
