25 Apr 2020

Lobatse Town Council on Thursday started  distribution of food packages to families affected by the lockdown period, which has now entered the fourth week.

The town clerk, Ms Boikhutso Matenge, has assured residents that the town authority would provide relief as quickly as possible to families in need of food assistance.

“We have already assessed 2 365 families in Lobatse and will assist 1 538 families with food. But the assessment exercise is continuing and we expect the number to increase,” she said.

Ms Matenge explained that they commenced the food distribution process in Peleng West and Maipei wards and would move to other parts of the town.

She pointed out that families with more people would receive larger amounts of food packages compared to those with fewer members. “We expect the food given to each families to last for a period of one month,” she said.

She said the food stuffs came from government, while others were donated by the business sector and some Batswana.

Lobatse deputy district commissioner, Ms Kolobetso Sejakgomo, commended businesses and individuals who contributed donations to assist the community during lockdown.

She said she was happy that people who required assistance managed to get it.

A number of residents who received the food packages in Peleng West welcomed the assistance.

“I operated a tuck-shop and sold traditional beer to feed my family. But since the lockdown effected I have felt the pinch because I can’t sell anything and have no money. I am therefore grateful of this assistance from government,” said Ms Bontle Lebele. ENDS