05 Mar 2018

“As a ministry that puts people first we are particularly touched by the incident, which has led to the demise of our former employee, being wheel chair bound, that is why, we saw it fit to build him a house.”

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said this at the ground-breaking ceremony of the construction of a house for Mr Simisane Boy, which is spearheaded by the Department of Finance and Procurement Services (DFPS). 

“Mr Boy is our former employee under the division of Food Relief Services (FRS).  I am informed that he was involved in a car accident in 2012 while delivering commodities to primary schools. This left him wheel chair bound as a result could not continue his work,” she indicated. 

Ms Tshireletso further commended DFPS, noting that the gesture would restore Mr Boy’s dignity, as he was the sole breadwinner of his family, adding that the move was also in persuit of the national of being a caring and compassionate nation.

“Taking it to another level, this project is a clear manifestation of our commitment to our national vision 2036 which calls for prosperity for all,” she said.

She noted that it was also consonant with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly the SDG 11, which says no one should be left behind as we grow our cities and communities.  

“You can all see that, as the ministry, and by extension, the government of Botswana, we are fully compliant,” she said.

Ms Tshireletso stated that the gesture was also in accord with the Presidents’s housing appeal, whose objective was to provide shelter to the less privileged members of society as shelter was a basic human need which, without it, a person could not live in dignity.

“This day also marks one of our milestones towards the fulfilment of our social responsibility as a ministry. 

Over and above our mandate of providing social protection to the needy, it is also in our interest to identify and address numerous socio-economic challenges faced by various communities, ” she said.

She highlighted that the project would not only change Mr Boy’s life, but also the environment in the area as the house would contribute to the economic, social and physical development of the area.

“We are grateful to the Central District for designing the house, removing the mud and refilling the site where the house would be constructed. This alone demonstrates true partnership and commitment towards ensuring that every Motswana has a right to shelter,” she said. 

Ms Tshireletso made an appeal to the business community, other departments and individuals for contributions towards the project.

“I am informed that the cost estimate for the house is approximately P150 000, but we have so far only managed to raise P30 000, which is a lot less than what we aim for,” she stated.

In his vote of thanks, Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, also Member of Parliament for Serowe North, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse thanked the Department of Finance and Procurement Services for having demonstrated the spirit of love and compassion by building a house for one of their own. 

He also indicated that the noble gesture was in line with Vision 2016 and also Vision 2036 which called for prosperity for all. 

Mr Autlwetse advised Mr Boy not to lose hope, but to rather be strong, robust and resilient even during his troubling times, as through that, he would live a fulfilling life. ENDS