07 Sep 2020

Residents of river villages in Mochudi East constituency on September 6 converged at Malolwane kgotla where they received free eye tests and glasses.

Sixty-eight residents from villages of Palla Kampa to Mabalane received the care provided by the Lion’s Club and one of  its members Manish Mathis, an optometrist from Opticals Botswana. 

Mathis said 28 residents received 28 reading glasses on Sunday while 10 would be given other glasses, also to be offered by the Lion’s Club and sponsored by Opticals Botswana. 

The area MP Mr Mabuse Pule who facilitated the event said he first met Mathis during his eye testing and he requested for assistance. 

He said 150 residents, from the constituency, aged 40 years and above were to benefit through the programme, saying they would conduct tests in Mochudi Central which also covered Bokaa before proceeding to Oodi-Matebeleng. 

Specially nominated councillor Mr Jonathan Male explained that the MP who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament had promised his constituents that he would facilitate for free eye testing and glasses in May but the initiative was affected by the lockdowns. 

He said he was happy that the MP was able to deliver on his promise, adding that the residents were also delighted by the gesture. 

Residents expressed enthusiasm as they have been referred to specialists either at Deborah Retief Memorial Hospital in Mochudi or Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole. 

Some of the recipients, Mr Isaac Makakaba and Ms Mmanyana Senwelo expressed their gratitude for the assistance.

Lion’s Club President Ms Keratilwe Bodilenyane said the donation marked the beginning of a long term relationship with constituents, adding that as they celebrated 50 years, they would be donating wheelchairs across the country during the year. 

She said Lion’s Club was a voluntary organization where members contributed their time and resources to improve the lives of Batswana. 

Other than the provision of eye care, the organisation also supports children who have cancer by visiting them in hospitals. 

Lion’s Club is also involved in environmental activities such as cleaning of yards and tree planting. 

Ms Bodilenyane further said they also have Reading Action Programme aimed at promoting a culture of reading.  ends