Astron Energy joins fight against Covid-19
Astron Energy also funded R700 000 in polymerase chain reaction testing kits in Gauteng through Gift of the Givers
Handwashing is the first line of defence against the coronavirus, and Astron Energy has pitched in to ensure vulnerable communities in Thokoza, Daveyton and Katlehong get help with this basic hygiene practice.
Astron Energy, holders of the licence for Caltex in South Africa and Botswana, worked with the National Business Initiative (NBI) to provide much-needed communal handwashing stations and special individual handwashing units for homes without running water.
The NBI’s Water Lead, Alex McNamara, said: “We know handwashing is crucial and provides lasting health benefits for people of all ages.”
The stations were installed close to Caltex outlets using the network of recycling cooperatives in Ekurhuleni’s informal settlements run by Fibre Circle, whose acting CEO Jane Molony said: “We worked through our trusted relationships to implement Astron Energy’s donations of handwashing facilities, and to distribute soap, drinking water and fabric masks.”
In addition to the handwashing project, Astron Energy has pumped well over R1-million in coronavirus relief efforts into Gauteng alone.
CEO Jonathan Molapo said the company and its Caltex retail partners have been heavily involved in alleviating the crisis in Gauteng, and right across the country since lockdown began.
“We have followed WHO guidelines to establish the most effective interventions and worked with outstanding on-the-ground NGOs as our delivery mechanisms,” said Molapo.
Astron Energy funded R700 000 in polymerase chain reaction testing kits in Gauteng through Gift of the Givers. And it has worked with Food Forward SA, Rise Against Hunger and Country Duty to provide more than 150 000 meals and R250 000 in food vouchers in the province.
Astron Energy’s social investment advisor, Winny Dubazane, said the company is continuing to explore new ways of supporting Gauteng communities. “The pandemic is far from over, and we are in this for the long haul.”
Also Read: WATCH: Children’s novel about Covid-19 set to launch today
Also Read: Covid-19: New hours for visiting graves in Ekurhuleni
