30 Oct 2013

Improvement of living conditions for Batswana remains a priority for government, Local government assistant minister, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has said.

Speaking during a handing over of a house in Tewane on October 29, Ms Tshireletso said shelter was essential for people of all walks of life regardless of their geographical location, creed or colour. She said it was government’s intention that all Batswana should have a basic shelter in order to live a dignified life.

As a way of fulfilling a compassionate, just and caring nation pillar, Mahalapye Sub-council emplyoees and their political leaders had identified and raised funds to construct a one bedroomed house for Mr Randu Lerei of Tewane.

Ms Tshireletso said the house donation was part of delivering one of the President’s core governing principles, that of dignity. She pointed out that establishment of the Presidential Housing Appeal was an effort to augment other essential programmes designed to provide Batswana with shelter.

Ms Tshireletso hailed the Mahalapye Sub-council emplyoees for heeding the call. She said they were indeed living the vision of the council which was to be the “centre of excellence in local governance social provision for improving quality of life”. 

She said for most people, especially the less privileged, dignified shelter was a far fetched dream, adding that the handing over of a house was a great moment of achievement towards development and prosperity for all.

She stated that research had shown that housing constituted basic needs, the others being water and food. Mr Lerei’s life will never be the same again, she said. She commended the employees of the council for working selflessly to make an impact in the community, saying building a house for someone from the pocket was a great challenge.

She said they were committed to giving to the less privileged.  She revealed that during the past year, the Matimela department also built a house for a beneficiary in Taupye. She urged other councils countrywide to do the same and make a difference in the lives of the less privileged.

For his part, Mr Lerei said he was thankful for the house. The funds used to build the house were raised through selling lunches and donations. ENDS