14 Nov 2017

A family of Molwalefhe in Gweta have been commended for taking note of the President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s plea to Batswana to help in housing other Batswana, who are in need.

The Molwalefhe family had built a two-roomed house worth more than P45 000 to an elderly woman, Ms Kilano Mongwegi of Gweta, who has been housed in a tent since 2010, after her house collapsed.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the house in Gweta recently, Central District Council district commissioner, Ms Berenice Berman-Mosime appreciated the family for taking note of the elderly woman’s situation and changed her life for the better by housing her in a properly built house.

The DC noted that such efforts were welcomed by government. Although government has a mandate to house Batswana, she said it was not possible; hence the need for support from other stakeholders.

Through the Presidential Housing Appeal initiative, the President has inspire many Batswana, private sector and government department to partake in this initiative, which to date has managed to build over 700 houses with more others still under construction across the country.

This, Ms Berman-Mosime said had given the beneficiaries a shelter, which in turn had given them dignity at their respective households. She, thus implored others to follow suit, noting that it was all not about having excessive capital but about having a giving heart to change someone else’s well-being; hence people come forward to make such a difference.

On behalf of Tutume Sub-district council, deputy council chairperson, Councillor Anthony Chibane said the initiative would go a long way in the history of Botswana adding that even after the President retires from office, he would still be remembered for it.

Mr Chibane added that the challenge presented to Batswana had made them not only look out for themselves but beyond their vicinity hence a good number of families had been housed through the initiative.

He however urged the leadership and village development committees to ensure that the said beneficiary was the one staying in the house not to be chased out by able persons.

Meanwhile, Nata/Gweta MP, Mr Polson Majaga pledged to build a toilet for the beneficiary. Ms Mongwegi’s house is the fourth in the village built through the initiative. BOPA