07 Sep 2017

Senior Private Secretary to the President, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa has applauded Batswana and some companies who have heeded the president’s plea to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Brigadier Tlhalerwa said this during a handover of a house in Pallaroad to Mr John Ntshielang by Gaborone Container Terminal (GABCON) under the Presidential Housing Appeal on Wednesday.

He said since the initiative was launched in 2008, 754 houses had been handed over to beneficiaries across the country.

He highlighted that 14 houses were near completion and would also be handed over to beneficiaries, adding that it was an indication that Batswana were good people.

He said Botswana was the only country in the world where citizens built houses to their fellow countrymen to give them dignity and shelter, adding that some of those who helped did not have houses of their own or payed rent.

He commended GABCON for building a house for Mr Ntshielang, especially the Ministry of Transport and Communication which the company was  under.

Brigadier Tlhalerwa said the ministry had built 17 houses, adding that it was a gesture that people would cherish for the rest of their lives. He also applauded those who contributed to Mr Ntshielang’s house and those who made the day possible.

For her part, GABCON managing director, Ms Lesedi Moakofhi said they built the house under their corporate social investment programme of giving back to the community and to help eradicate poverty.

She said they heeded the President’s plea to help resuscitate other people’s lives, and that they welcomed the idea hence they built the house for the beneficiary.

She said they built the house at the tune of P90 000, adding that they were also helped by other companies such as EGW, Pullies Team and Keriotic who helped furnish Mr Ntshielang’s three bed-roomed house.

Appreciating the kindness, Mr Ntshielang said the gesture would help his family as it was going to save them from harsh weather conditions like rains and cold. ENDS