25 Mar 2020

 Member of Parliament for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando has hailed the installation of a water dispensary system at Batawana main kgotla as  an important aspect in curbing the spread of coronavirus.

The water dispensary system commonly known as ‘sekupu project’ was installed by some health officials from Maun Clinic, health education officers in collaboration with Tribal Administration Wellness Committee. The system is meant to encourage members of the public to wash hands to control the spread of coronavirus.

Launching the project, Mr Saleshando commended those who initiated the project for responding positively towards the fight against coronavirus, especially that the precautionary measures include washing of hands. 

The project was a response to advice from health officials and office of the district commissioner encouraging institutions in North West district to ensure amenities such as wash basins or wash points were installed at their premises.

He noted with appreciation that the water dispensary system would be extended to some kgotlas in Maun.

Prior to the launch, Mr Saleshando who is also leader of opposition in Parliament addressed community leaders sensitising them on the COVID-19 pandemic so that they could be at the forefront to disseminate correct information to the public.

He shared with them the steps that the community needed to take to enhance prevention against possible infection.

Mr Saleshando informed the leadership that COVID-19 was real and needed collective efforts to prevent it adding that Botswana was still lucky as no case had been confirmed yet.

Other countries, he said had recorded deaths and urged leaders to encourage the public to comply with precautionary measures in place such as social distancing, reducing unnecessary movements and washing hands frequently with soap among others.

He said people should take precaution measures seriously as the virus did not discriminate which meant everyone was at a risk of being infected.

The MP appreciated government’s efforts in enforcing measures on public premises such as in liquor outlets as they attracted a large number of people.

Mr Saleshando said if there was anyone still operating, they would be violating the law. 

He also urged the public to maintain a distance of 1-2 metres between individuals in facilities such as banks, supermarkets and in queues.

Dr Sandra Maripe from Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) expressed concern that despite efforts by government to close all learning institutions, many children and youth were roaming the streets and shopping complexes.

She appealed to parents to ensure their children adhered to government advice.

Coronavirus, she said had no cure hence the need to try by all means to ensure prevention. She explained that COVID-19 was a new disease and they treat it basing on the symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat among others to stabilize.

Dr Maripe also pointed out that some members of the community were spotted wearing gloves and masks around shopping complexes.

“We do not encourage people to put on gloves and masks. That is not advisable unless one has symptoms of fever or flu,” she added.

She also dismissed some myths that garlic could treat COVID-19 stressing that people should implement what the health officials had advised.

Some leaders wanted to know what happened to married families since the health officials advised that people should avoid direct contact and maintain the 1-2 metres distance between individuals but Dr Maripe noted that social distancing measure applied even at homes.

People including couples, she said should avoid kissing and hugging even their children adding that they should also maintain the 1-2 metres distance. Ends