07 Sep 2016

Dulux has embarked on a project to paint 50 houses for residents of Botshabelo  in Selebi Phikwe by September 30.

The project, which was initiated by the Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Nonofo Molefhi would have 100 houses painted by the end of this year.

When launching the project recently, Mr Molefhi, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology, said the project symbolised a good partnership between Dulux and government. He said the project was aimed at brightening up Botshabelo neighbourhood and making the place more colourful.

He said Dulux was providing paints free of charge and 20 volunteers from the area who had been engaged in a painting training workshop by Dulux would do the painting.

Mr Molefhi applauded Dulux for the good gesture, noting that it was not for the first time the organisation engaged in such a project. 

Mr Molefhi said some time back he initiated a similar project in partnership with the company and painted houses in Old Naledi in Gaborone.

He urged residents of Botshabelo and Batswana as a whole to support Dulux as the organisation had played a role in helping communities around the country. Local businesses and residents who intended to have painting projects at their homes were urged to engage or employ volunteers who had been trained by Dulux.

He said in that way, the training and empowerment received by the volunteers would not go to waste.

He also indicated that by engaging the volunteers in painting projects, companies would also be contributing to creating jobs.

Dulux general manager, Mr Wellington Murambiwa, said they were happy to be part of the initiative. 

He said the painting project was part of his organisation’s corporate social responsibility strategy. 

He said his company inducted 20 volunteers in Botshabelo, especially unemployed youth in a painting workshop to instill them with painting skills and formalities. 

He said the volunteers inducted in the painting workshop were qualified for painting jobs.

“We believe the community in Selebi Phikwe and other businesses will be able to use them when painting projects are available,” he said. 

He added that the painting project in Botshabelo was a Dulux contribution to the community towards Botswana’s 50 years independence celebrations. 

Meanwhile, Selebi Phikwe mayor, Mr Amogelang Mojuta commended Dulux for the good gesture. 

He also applauded the area MP for initiating the project and liaising with Dulux to sponsor the painting project. He also called on  companies to engage the volunteers who were inducted in painting project in their projects around the mining town. ENDS