27 Apr 2021

Francistown East Member of Parliament, Mr Buti Billy, working in partnership with Francistown based Oriental Plaza, donated blankets and food hampers to the needy residents in his constituency.

Speaking at the event in Francistown’s Itekeng Ward on Monday, Mr Billy, who is also the Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, said the donations were possible due to the cordial relations Botswana had with China.

Mr Billy also stated that having good relations with other countries allowed for educational exchange programmes and is good for the economy as well as the provision of OVID-19 vaccine, which otherwise would not have been easy.

The minister went from house to house to donate to those with disabilities as per the objective of the initiative, while at the same time reminded residents to adhere to COVID-19 protocols since the disease was still a threat to the economy and human life.

“Let’s follow health protocols because taking care of ourselves can help restore normalcy,” he said.

Oriental Plaza founder, Mr Chen Jian Fei commended the cordial relations that existed betweem Botswana and China, adding that Botswana was one of the most cooperative countries to work with.

“In my 26 years of working in this country I have grown fond of its people and that is why we are always willing to give to those in need,” he said.

The ward development committee chairperson, Ms Gadzikanani Siwane appreciated the assistance and requested that it be extended to others with special needs.

She also pleaded for water connection at their offices.

The donations will benefit other residents with special needs and those with disabilities in the constituency. ENDS