14 May 2017

Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry donated a two bed-roomed house to Mr Tharo Boitumelo of Maape.
BITC fully constructed the house at the value of P125 000, with electricity, water connection and furnishings.

Donating the house on Friday, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse said shelter contributed more to the growth of the economy in developing countries.
Mr Seretse said the gesture was a fulfillment of the aspirations of the Vision 2036 pillars of ‘Human and social development under social inclusion and equality’ that required support and contribution towards national efforts to uplift the quality of life for Batswana.

He said the project was also aligned to the international human rights law that states the right to housing as a freestanding right, adding that the generosity by BITC was a direct response towards the Presidential Housing Appeal.
Mr Seretse said one of the ministry’s mandates was to play a very critical role in the country’s economic development through the establishment and growth of industries to diversify the economy and create sustainable job opportunities for Batswana.

He said project also brought opportunities to locals, and thus encouraging community empowerment as the local contractor had in turn employed other locals to undertake the construction of the house.
The Minister implored Mr Boitumelo to take care of the house noting that the day marked a new beginning and an end to an era where he used to seek shelter from fellow village members.
Also, he encouraged him to take advantage of government programmes to improve his life.

For her part, Ramokgonami/Sefhare MP and also Minister of Wellness and Health, Ms Dorcas Makgato applauded BITC for the gesture.
Ms Makgato said the house would go a long way in improving Mr Boitumelo’s life.
She noted that her ministry was doing a lot to assist Batswana in various aspects of life. ENDS