02 Oct 2014

The Presidential Housing Appeal has received three houses from the Choppies Group for three beneficiaries in Palapye.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Palapye recently, the poverty eradication coordinator, Colonel Duke Masilo thanked Choppies for the donation. Col. Masilo said the company was among the first to heed President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s call to help families in need of shelter.

He said Choppies had so far donated 28 houses and were still constructing more to help those in need of shelter. Col. Masilo said the housing appeal was not only aimed at companies but also individuals. He urged the Palapye community to contribute to helping underprivileged families, adding that not many people have done anything towards helping needy families.

He challenged the community to engage in activities that would improve the lives of impoverished Batswana, adding that “helping another person does not require a lot of money.” He informed the Palapye community that the government was dealing with many challenges and could not afford to assist all needy people.

He added that numbers of needy families were still high and that it was upon the community to assist the government to restore dignity in some families. Choppies Group chief executive officer, Mr Ramachandra Ottappathu commended the Office of the President for the housing initiative.

He said they have built 28 houses whilst six were still under construction. He said his company would continue to support the initiative by providing shelter to needy families as well as empowering Batswana by providing employment opportunities.

He added that his company has established a department for people living with disabilities that provides employment opportunities for PWDs. “When there are vacancies, Choppies employs people living with disabilities and the idea is to empower them and not give them hand-outs,” he said.

Mr Ottappathu also promised to complete a house for a needy person that was started by the tribal administration in his personal capacity as well as buy furniture for beneficiaries.

Palapye Administration Authority leader, Mr Koti Molefi applauded Choppies for showing compassion to underprivileged families. He said the company has made a big difference in the lives of needy families.

The company, he added, has also made a difference to the council by taking care of needy families, orphans and vulnerable children. The houses were donated to Mr Terai Mafikeng, Mr Emmanuel Jobe and Ms Nono Fokolakgosi in Serorome, Khurumela and Thomadithose wards respectively. Ends