19 May 2014

Shashe Mooke Village Development Committee (VDC) in the Tonota Sub district has handed over a two and half house to 89- year- old, Ms Nkhidi Daniel.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Shashemooke on Friday (May 16), the VDC chairperson, Mr Anderson Moalosi said the construction follows a request by the area Member of Parliament, Mr Pono Moatlhodi to the former Debswana managing director, Mr Jim Gowans to construct a house for the elderly ailing woman.

Mr Moatlhodi made request during the handing over of twenty water taps connected to needy beneficiaries in the village by Debswana.

The VDC chairperson said in response to the request, Debswana donated P84 000 towards the building of the woman’s house.

He said even though they did not include fencing and electrification of the house in the quotation forwarded to Debswana, they managed to provide such out of the remaining funds.

Mr Moalosi said they decided to hand over the house to the beneficiary before the sponsor did the actual handing over because the old woman is ill and has no place to stay.

Appreciating the work done by the VDC, social welfare officer for Tonota sub district, Mr Moratiwa Aleseng said Batswana and their traditional leaders have always cared for those in need.

Mr Aleseng raised a concern that the spirit of caring for each other was now fading away and people have left the whole burden on government.

He said government alone, cannot afford to shoulder the whole responsibility adding that in the Tonota sub district alone, almost 1000 people are needy with 90 of them being residents of Shashe Mooke who need shelter and food support.

Mr Aleseng called on members of communities with financial capabilities to help provide shelter for the under privileged, including private companies.

For his part, MP Moatlhodi appreciated the VDC efforts for having used the money donated for the project accordingly, noting that often misuse of funds has resulted in donors not assisting.

He noted that there were so many people in need of proper shelter and since funds from the government were not enough to cater for all of them; support from companies would help in improving their livelihoods. Ends