10 Dec 2020

In an effort to assist the government in the fight against COVID-19, the Salvation Army church in Old Naledi on Wednesday donated hygiene items to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD).

The donations, to be divided between Francistown and Gaborone City Council, Palapye, Mahalapye as well as Mogoditshane district councils, included 220 dustbins, 10 of which are movables, 101 brooms, 15 x 25 litres sanitizers and 340 pairs of gloves.

Those directed to Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development were 10 movable waste bins, 100 face masks, 10 x 475ml sanitisers and 90 gloves.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, MLGRD Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical Services, Mr Mpho Morapedi thanked the church for what he referred to as ‘thoughtful and generous’ contribution towards the success of the ministry.

Mr Morapedi highlighted that the donation was an early Christmas gift that would go a long way and be instrumental in the ministry’s continued efforts of keeping public spaces clean.

He urged all local authorities benefiting from the donations, to put them to good use and be exemplary in living the ministry’s mission of striving for excellence and improvement of quality of life for all.

For his part, Pastor Isaih Motsi of the Salvation Army said their aim was to open branches all over Botswana and serve communities in partnership with government.

“Our area of interest is community development, with areas such as water and food programmes, for the betterment of families,” he added.

He said they were joining forces with the government to fight COVID-19, adding that their motto was Where there is a need, there is the salvation army.

He noted that COVID-19 had raised a lot of needs around the world.  

Pastor Motsi indicated that after consultations with Gaborone City Council (GCC), they realised that workers in public areas, such as bus ranks and open markets, were experiencing challenges of lack of movable waste bins, hence the decision to donate full kits of waste bins, brooms and gloves.

He urged the GCC to invite them whenever there was a need, such as during clean up campaigns, adding ‘we are together in this fight of keeping our communities healthy and clean’.

Kgosi Oageng Mosole of Old Naledi Customary Court said churches had been taking part in community development, adding that it was commendable that the Salvation Army was still playing that role, during these difficult times.

He said the donation would play a vital role in addressing the effects of COVID-19, adding that Old Naledi was one of the most affected areas. Ends