07 Mar 2017

Batswana have been urged to continue to contribute to the National Disaster Relief Fund to assist those who have been affected and displaced by the recent down pours.
Speaking during an event convened to accept donations from a host of organisations towards the fund, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe said all need to play a part in restoring normality of people, essential services and infrastructure in affected areas.

Mr Kwerepe hailed the organisations that contributed, saying indeed they emphasise a caring nation.
The organisations that donated through the Office of the President are the Chinese Embassy, Lady Khama Charitable Trust, Spar, Checkers/Shoprite, Peermont Hotel Casino and Resorts, Ray Morgan Agencies, Samsung Botswana, The Old Apostolic Church, NH Church Phakalane, Espresso Deli Phakalane, Mowana Park Shopping Centre and Gaborone Bedding.

He appreciated them for having acted generously and in a timely manner, saying in that way they ensure that the affected families and communities get rapidly back on their feet.
He assured the donators that their contributions would be distributed appropriately to those in need.

Mr Kwerepe pointed out that a total of 477 households had been affected by flooding in Tutume, Lobatse, Ramotswa, Kanye, Moshupa, Goodhope, Mahalapye, Mochudi, Letlhakeng, Molepolole, Lentsweletau, North East, Boteti and Tonota.
He also said roads, bridges, schools and hospitals had not been spared.

He mentioned that such damages add to the overall burden of society as a whole, including government departments and dedicated stakeholders, urging some individuals to also follow suit.
Meanwhile, Mr Kwerepe reported that the most affected are already being helped with varying degree of assistance based on the rapid assessments done by the national Disaster Management Office and the local disaster committees.

He mentioned that so far, 205 families have been given tents, 110 families given food baskets and 38 given blankets.
During the event, the Chinese Embassy donated 300 food basket and 200 blankets with a total value of P160 000 to help assist flood victims.
Representing China, Ambassador Zhao Yanbo mentioned that China and Botswana had good relations, hoping that with the donations, the people in the afflicted areas would recover and rebuild their homes soon.

Meanwhile, The Old Apostolic Church also donated a cheque amounting to P50 000 into the National Disaster Relief Fund to assist those who are in need.
The Church overseer, Mr Igobe Pie also stated that the church was preparing grocery hampers to be distributed to those most affected by the recent rains.
He said they were more focused in  Ramotswa, Moshupa, Lobatse, Nkange and Maitengwe areas. ENDS