04 Jul 2016

Senior Private Secretary to the President, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa says the Presidential Housing Appeal continues to gain momentum years after President Lt Gen.Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama launched it in 2008.

Officiating at the handing over of two houses at Mabudzani and Tsamaya in the North East District on Thursday, Brigadier Tlhalerwa noted that to date over 600 houses have been handed over to beneficiaries.

He highlighted that in the North East District 39 houses have already been build and handed over, adding that it was an indication that Batswana across the entire spectrum  have heeded the President’s plea that “let us extend a helping hand to those in need,” he said.

Furthermore, he added that 49 houses were at construction stage and that upon completion some families woud have a place of their own to call home, noting that every individual was identified by their household.

He commended the donors of the houses, adding that it was a gesture that one would always cherish for the rest of their lives. He appealed to beneficiaries to take full ownership of the houses by looking after them properly.

He also applauded investors and business community for having seen the importance of helping those in need, noting that others come on board because they have seen the example from others.

One of the donors, Dr Navtej Singh of Indus Health Care said it was their first time to donate after they were touched by the incident of one of the beneficiaries, Ms Aphe Tswerisa whose house burnt down in 2014 and she lost a child in the incident. Dr Singh said upon being presented with the scenario they were touched and decided to do something for her and the remaining seven children. 

Another donor for the house of Mr Ngongorego Dube of Tsamaya, Ms Patience Pelaelo representing her company Dunlop Tyre Services said the company has been operating in Botswana for the past 15 years. And when they were approached by the village leadership to help resuscitate someone’s live they welcomed the idea with open arms hence they built the house for the beneficiary.

Appreciating the generosity, Ms Tswerisa said the gesture has turned their lives around after having lost the only property she has, and that it has saved them from the cold weather and other seasons to come. ENDS