01 Aug 2021

Batswana have been  encouraged to familiarise themselves with the country’s constitution so as to understand why some decisions were taken.

 The advice was given by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi when addressing some members of Project Sanitise Maun during his visit to Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital recently.

 Citing the declaration of the state of emergency, President Masisi said he was equally against it because it limited enjoyment of normal lives.

 But it was imperative to have it in place to curb the spread of coronavirus, he said.

 Dr Masisi reiterated that it was declared solely to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

  The state of emergency was first imposed in April last year and has been extended twice latest being from April 1 to September 30.

Regarding Project Sanitise Maun, President Masisi commended the group for assisting government in the fight against COVID-19 through donations such as PPE and vehicles as well as human resource.

He said it was humbling to witness and hear firsthand the group’s commitment towards assisting government in the fight against coronavirus.

Dr Masisi said it was impressive that the group had so far spent  over P4 million in procurement of masks and soaps for distribution among communities.

In addition, the group has pledged to avail vehicles and aircraft  for vaccine distribution and to ensure health personnel reach areas which are not easily accessible.

“What you are doing is the best practice that we encourage as the leadership and I promise to support you all the way and protect you,” said President Masisi.

Urging the business community to remain calm, Dr Masisi assured  entrepreneurs that government was doing all in its power to manage and arrest the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project Sanitize Maun chairperson, Mr Tebogo Boalotswe explained that the group was established in March 2020 to help government fight COVID-19.

The group comprises more than 100 different business entities which saw it fit to heed government’s call for assistance.

Mr Boalotswe said a lot had been done to augment DHMT efforts citing donation of Maun Rest Camp which had been converted into an isolation centre as well as provision of necessary equipment and personnel.

The organisation, he said, also assisted in vaccination campaigns by providing DHMT with vehicles  for visiting hard to reach areas such as Xaxaba in the heart of the Okavango Delta.“We provided aircraft and pilots because we wanted our communities to take the jab without failure. Currently, we are collaborating with DHMT to plan a mass vaccination campaign and we believe together we will win the battle,” he added. Ends