20 Nov 2016

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Mokgweetsi, led Cabinet ministers in revamping the cancer facility at Extension 12 in Gaborone on Friday November18.

The ministers erected a shade, painted the resting place and paved the facility as part of the Community Service Day.

Speaking at the event, the acting Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe, said community service was demonstration of social responsibility and giving back to the community.

He, therefore, urged all to get involved in the community service day, to revive the spirit of Botho and Ipelegeng.

He said the main reason they found it prudent to re-furbish the cancer facility was to extend their support to the organisation and to show solidarity with cancer patients as well as reaching out to those in need of care and comfort.

Cancer, he said, was one of the leading causes of death, adding the most common risk factors for cancer included smoking, diet and exposure to radiation.

Mr Kwerepe further said while Botswana cancer registry statistics showed a high proportion of females being affected by reproductive as compared to their male counterparts, male cancer was also a concern, hence it was imperative for all to live a healthy life style as a preventative measure.

He said the facility,  which had 22 beds provided accommodation, meals and medical care to paitients, while they receive treatment at Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone Private Hospital and Bokamoso.

He therefore applauded Lobatse Canvas for providing high quality canvas to be used as a shade, saying the material was sun proof and as such it would provide the much needed shade and cover against hot summer.

He said the paint from Plascon which was used to paint benches and chairs would add colour to brighten the area and uplift the moods of those who use the facility.

However Cancer Association of Botswana (CAB) chairperson, Mr Thebe Baile, said they were delighted that the Vice President and his cabinet found it important to refurbish their facility.

He said refurbishing the facility would help the patient given that they spend most of their time there and sometimes it was difficult and boring for the patients, adding that their new environment would also lift their morale.  ENDS