28 Jul 2015

The Northern Division Police headquarters has raised over P84 000 in pledges towards building a house for a needy person in Matshelagabedi.

Speaking at a fundraising dinner on Saturday (July 25), the managing director of Cut Price Cash and Carry, Mr Muhammed Ali said the division intends to build a two and a half house at a cost of P150 000, and that it was through the help of the business community that they could meet the targeted amount.

Mr Ali, who donated P20 000, applauded the police for their initiative, saying every citizen was religiously and socially bound to care for orphans and the needy in their communities.

He said to help does not need large sums of money, adding that even buying a bag of mealie-meal or toiletry for someone was still appreciated in the eyes of God.

Mr Ali noted that the government was doing a lot to assist the less privileged, but that its efforts could not be enough without assistance from other stakeholders.

Police Divisional Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Diana Marathe said social corporate responsibility was the backbone of every institution and that the Botswana Police Service was no exception.

She said the police prides itself with the ability to incorporate one of the pillars of Vision 2016 of a safe and secure nation and a compassionate, just and caring nation through the integration of community projects.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Marathe said the project was also a way of heeding the Presidential Housing Appeal which urges all individuals and companies to provide shelter for the underprivileged as a way of housing all the needy Batswana by 2016.

On issues of safety, Senior Assistant Commissioner Marathe said the government remains resolute in providing a conducive and safe environment for residents of the country.

She noted, however, that policing challenges were diverse and complex, addng that there was a need for partnerships between the police, the business community and the public in the fight against crime.

“Businesses and the community alike are the main targets of criminals who deprive them of valuables hence the need to work together to form strong forces against all undesirable elements in our communities.

Our strength as the Botswana Police Service and indeed the community lie in these partnerships,” said the senior police officer.

Francistown East MP, Mr Billy Buti commended the police for the gesture, adding that if all institutions could emulate them, all the needy people would have shelter.

Still at the same event, Jan Japan and other companies and different individuals pledged different amounts of money.

Activities of the day started with a public education campaign walk in Selepa. Ends