29 Mar 2020

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe has applauded all officers deployed at Ramokgwebana Border Gate for their efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during a tour of the border on March 26, he said officers from all government departments and parastatals were on the frontline working as gate keepers to protect Batswana.

“I am here to assess if the processes and regulations are followed at one of our busiest points of entry, and I am impressed to see health, immigration and law enforcement officers on the ground doing a good job,” he said.

Mr Lelatisitswe said President Mokgweetsi Masisi has set up a task team to keep Botswana safe, hence his visit to assess and appreciate operations at the border.

He said government closed the border upon realising that Batswana were travelling at a high rate despite being warned about COVID-19 in neighbouring South Africa.

He said it was disheartening that some Batswana were still taking COVID-19 for granted, adding that having over 400 people in quarantine in different camps across the North East District called on all stakeholders to provide assistance and resources like food and accommodation.

Mr Lelatisitswe said the pandemic had milked economies like China, USA and European countries, hence it was important for Batswana to comply with all preventative protocols.

He urged immigration officers to emphasise to every citizen and resident leaving Botswana that quarantine rules would apply upon their return.

He stated that people who were quarantined across the district had travelled to Zimbabwe unaware that movements would be restricted.

He said government was aware that quarantine regulations had caused confusion and disgruntlement among those affected, adding however, that they were applied for the greater good.

Mr Lelatisitswe requested the district rapid response committee to engage with the private sector, especially the hospitality sector to accommodate people in their facilities.

Mr Lelatisitswe also visited Thamani Junior Secondary School, Moroka Primary School and Masunga Senior Secondary School quarantine camps to meet with Batswana and residents.

The North East District has 420 people in quarantine facilities within both the district and Francistown.

The assistant minister pleaded with people in quarantine to abide by regulations from health and law enforcement officers. ENDS