14 Nov 2019

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) Foundation has funded Moshana Environmental and Educational Park to the tune of P615 000.

The project will be developed through Moshana Community Development Trust. Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony to kick-start the construction of the multifaceted facility in Moshana on November 13, BTC Foundation chairperson Kgosi Michael Mothobi encouraged Moshana Trust members to work as a unit and ward off any differences that may land them in court.

Kgosi Mothobi implored Moshana Trust to use the funds wisely for the benefit of the community.

He said after a systematic scrutiny, BTC Foundation decided to fund the project following Moshana Trust’s request to be assisted with funds to erect a facility of that magnitude.

He said some trusts were abused to gobble people’s money and used as a medium for corruption and money laundering.

Kgosi Mothobi said in some instances, the money may be used to sponsor terrorism and human trafficking, stressing that to counteract such mischievous acts, Botswana came up with anti-money laundering laws to prevent, suppress and disrupt financing of terrorism.

Kgosi Mothobi therefore implored those willing to register trusts to enquire about legal requirements to avoid skirmishes with the law.

For his part, BTC managing director, Mr Anthony Masunga said the company could not just chase profits without helping communities, hence the need to set aside funds to cater for such through the foundation.

He said it was imperative that the corporation helped communities within which it operated.

Mr Masunga encouraged Moshana Community Development Trust members to be transparent and use the money prudently as it belonged to the community.

The trust was registered in October 2016, but started operating officially in April 2018, after the election of Board of Trustees in a kgotla meeting in April 2017.

Moshana Community Development Trust chairperson, Mr Kabo Petros said the trust then requested for project funding, which the BTC Foundation answered in the affirmative.

Mr Petros emphasised that they would strive to ensure it the money was used for the intended purpose.

The objectives of the environmental and education park, among others; are to preserve the Aloe vera tree that is used for medicinal purposes both for livestock and human beings and other natural resources against extinction, misuse or any other damage and to sustainably utilise such natural resources for equitable benefit and development of the community. Another objective is to identify, mark, conserve and protect areas of heritage and sustainably utilise them for the benefit of the community; as well as to provide support platform for development of small businesses in the area, especially arts and other intellectual property works.

The multifaceted park, which will comprise of tree nursery, conference centre and beekeeping area, will also provide a knowledge base for education on environmental conservation and protection. ENDS