24 Mar 2021

Financial constraints have hampered the completion of the Bana Ba Letsatsi (BBL) facility at Disana Ward along the Thamalakane River bank.

Part of the project is, however, under construction thanks to some safari operators, individuals and the Japanese Embassy in Botswna who have provided financial support.

In an interview recently, BBL executive director, Ms Taboka Rotsi confirmed that they were financially drained and unable to complete the facility.

She said as a non profit making entity, BBL relied on support and assistance from donors for sustenance. Ms Rotsi said the scope of the project included eight classrooms, three counselling rooms, a library, computer digital rooms, administration block, reception area and ablution blocks. She noted that they would cost P3.2 million.

She appealed to members of the public, the business community and individuals to come on board for the benefit of the children.

She praised some safari operators and the Japanese Embassy for ensuring the commencement of the project. She revealed that some safari operators teamed up to raise P1 million through a bed-night bank initiative, and that they channeled 60 per cent of the proceeds towards the project.  The Japanese Embassy funded the project to the tune of P785 000.

Ms Rotsi revealed that they still needed P1.7 million to complete the project, saying they managed to construct part of the administration and ablution blocks, reception and four classrooms.

She also praised the spirit of volunteerism shown by some individuals. She commended Mr Pierre Sharp and his team for assisting with project architectural design and environmental management as well as presenting a flexible method of construction.

She noted that they used gum-poles and sand bags instead of bricks, and that the method was efficient and fast. She also added that the structures would be expected to be warm in winter and cool in summer.

Ms Rotsi also stated that the objective was to relocate once the first phase of the project was complete.

She also noted that the American Embassy and Mascom had pledged to fund the computer rooms while Ngami.Net, which was offering them free Wi-Fi at the old centre, promised to extend the service to the new facility.

She also thanked the BBL board, saying they were doing a good job of ensuring that the centre made a positive impact on the lives of the children.

The project manager, Mr Sharp explained that the project was on track, noting that they intended to complete it by July.

He acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their progress as the initial anticipated completion date was June 2021.

Mr Sharp concurred that they were in need of more donations.

 The centre is a haven for vulnerable children in the Maun area. The centre offers psycho-social support, education and counselling as well as providing food, medical attention, skills training and meeting the children’s any other needs.

The centre has been operating from a residential house for the past 17 years. ENDS