23 Oct 2013

The plight of disadvantaged people needs action by individuals, non-governmental organisations and private companies, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration said in Letlhakane on October 22.

Handing over a house to the 21-year-old Mr Motshwari Machira, Mr Arnold Madikwe said poverty stripped an individual of dignity, which was a basic human right. He said lack of basic amenities was also a challenge in Botswana.

He added that basic shelter was critical to the wellbeing of anyone and any community. Mr Madikwe said poverty and lack of basic amenities worsened the plight of disadvantaged people. He said preserving human dignity was critical towards the realisation of Vision 2016.

He said government would continue to recognise and support individuals, organisations and companies that engaged in poverty eradication initiatives. “We should be united and have resilience to fight poverty which is our common enemy,” he said.

The project came into light after some employees of Debswana (Orapa hospital) identified the needs of Mr Machira and collaborated with Boomtech, a construction company doing maintenance works at Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines and Naledi Motors in Francistown.

Mr Madikwe said the house was designed to cater for a wheel chair user as per specifications from a rehabilitation specialist. The house has a wheel chair ramp and a toilet for a disabled person. He implored Batswana and other companies to emulate what the partnership between Debswana employees, Naledi Motors and Boomtech has done to a member of the society who is less privileged.

“I also want everyone to work hard irrespective of the challenges that you may be facing to make a change in your standard of living,” he said. “Include in yourselves the spirit of giving and assisting in the social upliftment of those less fortunate.”

Relating on project overview, one of the Orapa hospital employees who had made it possible for Mr Machira to have a habitable structure, Ms Kegomoditswe Matshidiso, said the house was also accompanied by a self-sustaining project.

Ms Matshidiso said the house project was funded and constructed by Boomtech while Naledi Motors provided a wheel chair, connected power to the house and bought a public address system and other equipment that would help Mr Machira achieve his childhood dream of becoming a Diski Jockey (DJ).

She said Mr Machira sustained a back injury four years ago while a student at Ditsweletse JSS when he was injured by a goal post while watching his school competitions. The injury made him lose his ability to work independently

Mrs Setlotlegeng Nyoni, the director of Boomtech, said the company saw it fit to restore Mr Machira’s dignity and ability to fulfill his dreams on his own. She said her company worked closely with the community and therefore offered support when a need arises.

Mr Machira said he appreciated the support from Debswana employees, Boomtech and Naledi Motors because they have managed to help him achieve his dream of becoming a DJ. As a result, he said, he was about to release an album. He also appreciated the support he has received from Mr and Mrs Kunju of H&J Wholesalers as they had financed recording of his music. ENDS