23 Feb 2016

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Colonel Duke Masilo says President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama is pleased with the support given to the Presidential Housing Appeal initiative.

 Colonel Masilo made the during a ceremony to mark the handing over of four houses built by Botswana Building Society (BBS) in Otse on Friday.

 The houses were built for Ms Keemenao Tapologo of Otse, Ms More Tshidinyakgotla of Gakgatla, Mr Matshidiso Sout of Kumakwane and the Basimane family of Ramotswa.

 Colonel Masilo said President Khama was appreciative of the support that local companies, religious organisations and Batswana give to the initiative.  He noted that from donating one house in 2011, the Presidential Housing Appeal has up to date donated 556 houses, and that another 61 houses were under construction.

 Colonel Masilo said the initiative has managed to donate houses in all the districts, adding that huge amounts of money has been spent under the programme.

 He commended BBS for having donated P320 000 which was used for the construction of the four houses. Colonel Masilo said the donations give beneficiaries dignity, but also caution them against societal ill treatment.

 In addition, he asked community members, companies and organisation to continue to support the initiative. A BBS representative, Mr Sipho Showa said the bank’s response to the call of the President’s Housing Appeal was in line with the ideals of Vision 2016.

 He added that the housing appeal was one of the programmes that have to be appreciated for bringing chance. Mr Showa said BBS not only thrives on leaning money, but also through offering a helping hand to the same society.

 “As the BBS team, we are happy and honoured to make impression to this country,” said Mr Showa.

 For his part, South East District commissioner, Mr Ian Tema encouraged beneficiaries to take care of the houses as they were their properties.

The district commissioner warned that there were those who would lure the beneficiaries to sell their houses, but said they would not be assisted twice. “Vision 2016 talks about access to good quality basic shelter, this is good quality basic shelter,” Mr Tema said. He further said there was need to support organisation such BBS. Ends