The eThekwini Municipalities Health Unit received a much needed state-of-the-art health outreach vehicle on Wednesday, July 31.
The vehicle was developed and handed over by Toyota South Africa’s president, Andrew Kirby.
The Hilux single cab 4×4 was converted to serve the needs of the rural communities of Mdumezulu in Ward 105 and Madundube in Ward 100 in uMbumbulu.
The vehicle is part of an eight-month pilot project, formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement between Toyota and the City, to assess its effectiveness in providing services to these communities.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, who received the vehicle on behalf of the City, applauded the gesture from Toyota and said it was keeping up with the values that Nelson Mandela aspired to.
“We are delighted as a City that Toyota came on board to assist us in providing excellent primary health care to the people of uMbumbulu. We can only succeed as a nation if we continue to form such partnerships with the private sector,” said Mayor Xaba.
The vehicle boasts state-of-the-art features which include, a freshwater tank for patients, wi-fi connection, solar panels, tilt bed, a microwave, fridge and service window.
Bad roads and long walks to clinics make access to healthcare difficult for residents of uMbumbulu.
Mr Kirby, said the vehicle was tested on gravel roads to determine its compatibility with bad weather conditions before it was passed.
