16 Jul 2020

Member of Parliament for Takatokwane, Mr Friction Leuwe, has attributed the low number of COVID-19 cases to hard work, tenacity and strategic interventions by the presidential COVID-19 task team and  frontline workers.

Speaking during his visit to clinics and meetings with health workers on Wednesday, Mr Leuwe commended health workers and their leadership for putting up a good fight against COVID-19.

He said the frontline workers ensured that  messages on health protocols reached Batswana even at remotest areas.

However, the MP expressed worry over the poor working environment the  frontline  workers were working under, especially dilapidated clinics.

He said clinics across the country were not  in an apt  state and needed maintenance.

In  Ditshegwane, Sesung, Metsibotlhoko, Sorilatholo, Salajwe and Kaudwane meetings, the MP received reports on the state of health facilities and welfare of employees.

Among the many challenges, which workers complained of, were shortage of transport and accommodation, overstaying in one same station, lack of electricity and internet.

Some workers complained that shortage of accommodation was so serious that they had to travel long distances to work even when on call, hence they ended up asking for accommodation from their colleagues.

Mr Leuwe said that frontline workers should be given all the necessary care with provision of accommodation to ease their work.

He further argued that ever since the clinics were transferred to central government, their operations were crippled.

He therefore advocated for the reversal of the decision in order for the clinics to be better managed.

Mr Leuwe said during the years when clinics were under the councils, workers did not complain about shortage of  accommodation or  transport and the clinics were always maintained.

He therefore told the health workers that he would invite the Minister of Health and Wellness or his assistant to visit the clinics in his constituency so that they appreciate the challenges. ENDS