18 May 2014

As part of the response to the President’s Housing Appeal, Chobe Game lodge recently donated a two bedroomed house to a needy person in Kazungula.



The recipient, Ms Lebotsamang Kabelo thanked the company for the good deed and encouraged them to continue doing good for others. 

Handing over the house, the lodge's chief executive, Mr Jonathan Gibson said his company had decided to build at least one house per year for destitute people in the district.

He noted that what was of concern to his company was that while they were giving to the needy, they were not giving to organisations within their area of operation. 



He said they intended approaching the land authority for a piece of land large enough to build at least 10 such houses since it would be easier to bring services such as electricity and water in houses that were institutionalised. He pointed out that maintenance of the houses would be easier to manage on a single property.

“It is the duty of every corporation in this country that has traded successfully under the sheltering hand of its administration and the goodwill of the people, to contribute to the social upliftment and welfare of the less fortunate members of our society,” he emphasised.

Acting chief social and community development officer, Mr Artwell Mulilo said there are 243 destitutes in need of housing in Chobe. To date, he said 45 houses have been built with 29 of them complete and 16 under construction.

He commended Chobe Game Lodge for their generous gesture and their speediness in constructing the house.

He also supported Gibson’s idea of building the houses in one yard and added that it may even be easier to find caretakers for the elderly if there are grouped in one place.

One of the biggest challenges about house donations is that most of the recipients are old and hence do not live long enough to enjoy the donation.

He said some of the houses that were donated currently are empty as their occupants have died.

District commissioner for Chobe, Dr Temba Mmusi commended Chobe Game lodge for restoring Mma Lebotsamang Kabelo’s dignity and urged to continue doing the good job to other needy people.

He however warned against recipients who sell their houses after donations often at giveaway prices. He warned such recipients and culprits who prey on others’ vulnerability that they should desist from such.

“Those who do so will have to face the music which may not be particularly palatable to their ears,” he warned. ENDS