17 Sep 2018

Building of houses for the poor throughout the country by Botswana Police Service members not only demonstrates compassion within the police service, but also shows teamwork between the police and communities.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the 56^th house to Ms Kelolepile Banami and her family in Sese, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr David Mosetse said construction of the house commenced in 2011 through volunteerism by police officers.

He said the house would go a long way in giving dignity to the occupants.

“Our expectation is that this house will be home to tomorrow’s leaders who will grow up with dignity which they shall carry throughout their lives,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to take care of the house and stay peacefully in it. He also discouraged them from selling it since those who built it worked tirelessly to give them a roof over their heads.

He commended all the companies and individuals who contributed to the project, saying it showed the spirit of Botho that Batswana were known for.

Giving an overview of the project, Officer Commanding No.14 District Senior Superintendent Reuben Mphoeng said the house took long to complete due to shortage of resources.

He said they started with the facilitation of a plot application since the beneficiaries did not have a plot.

“This project commenced in 2011 but since it was done through volunteerism, we had shortage of funds. However, through the help of different companies around the area, we managed to complete it this year, having spent P250 000 to date,” he said.

The district officer for Mabutsane Sub-district, Mr Tshepo Masala commended the police for a job well done. He said their gesture showed that they did understand that government alone could not manage to meet the needs of all citizens.

He urged them to continue reaching out to other communities across the country. Mr Masala also urged beneficiaries to take care of the house and use it appropriately. “Let it not be a haven of criminal activities,” he said.

For her part, Ms Banami said she was grateful for finally having decent accommodation. She said for a long time she did not have a roof over her head, saying the gesture was a reflection of the love that Batswana have. 

Meanwhile from Good Hope, Bathusi Kwidi reports that the Botswana Police Service also handed over a two-bedroomed house built at a cost of P190 000 to Ms Mosesane family in Gamokoto ward.

Speaking at the hand over ceremony, acting chief of Barolong, Kgosi Botiki Motshegare said the police had continued not only to maintain law and order but also to play a vital role in their social responsibilities.

Kgosi Motshegare said “shelter as one of the basic needs of every human being is important as it restores dignity,” adding that Botswana Police Service deserves a pat on the back for maintaining the spirit of compassion.

Giving the project overview, Botswana Police Service Divisional Commander for the southern region, Senior Assistant Commissioner Harrison Digobe said the project was spearheaded by the Southern Division Women Network (BPS) with assistance from other stakeholders.

Narrating on why the Mosesane family, Mr Digobe said the house was built for the children in loving memory of their late mother, Ms Kaone Mosesane, who was a police officer at Sejelo Police Station before she passed on in 2012.

“The already existing two-roomed house in the compound showed that Ms Mosesane had a dream to build a shelter for her children thus the women network carried it on,” said Mr Digobe.

He said the journey was not easy to raise funds for the project as the members themselves had to dig deep into their pockets as well as asking for donations from different organisations.

“Lobatse Vocational Training Centre assisted us with labour to come up with this structure, and we thank them,” he added.

The house is electrified, consists of two bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen as well as bathroom/toilet. Other donations include furniture and food items.

For her part, Deputy Commissioner Dinah Marathe said the women network was a world organisation adopted by Botswana Police Service women’s wing in the quest to tackle different issues affecting women as well as empowering them to penetrate all the male dominated duties without fear.

Ms Marathe said they had donated 55 houses, including the one in Gamokoto ward, across the country to try and address the issue of accommodation to restore human dignity.

She further advised relatives as well as village elders to keep an eye on the children in order to ensure that the gift became a lifetime investment for them, adding that they had been given with a grateful heart.

“I would like to appeal to all the elders here present, relatives and other stakeholders to advice these children accordingly and not to ever think of selling this house,” said Ms Marathe.

A family representative, Mr Motlokwa Gasennelwe expressed his gratitude to Botswana Police Service for the important gift as it paved a way to a better living in the future. 

In her closing remarks, Good Hope Sub-district assistant district commissioner, Ms Angelinah Leano thanked the police for the milestone achieved.

She encouraged them to keep up the good job by showing the spirit of compassion to the less fortunate. ENDS