31 Jul 2022

Trans-Africa Cash and Carry Botswana is financing to the tune of P2.5 million the construction of a health facility at Gasita, Southern District.

During a ground breaking ceremony for the project recently, Minister of Health Dr Edwin Dikoloti said the clinic was anticipated to open doors to the public in January.

He said the ministry would monitor the project to ensure it was completed within time and to standard.

Dr Dikoloti, who is the area MP, said the facility was a welcome development given the state of Lorolwane/Gasita/Selokolela road which made travelling in the area, especially during emergency situations, difficult.

The minister said health services remained paramount for the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

He explained that the economic growth model classified health as human capital because poor health led to lower human  development and productivity both of which affected economic growth.

Health was therefore both human capital itself and an input in other forms of human capital, said Dr Dikoloti arguing that diseases depressed development in human capital as well as incomes. 

He told Gasita residents to count themselves lucky because despite other competing needs, the company chose their village for the project.

Thanking the company for the noble gesture, Dr Dikoloti said it had made an immense contribution to Botswana’s socio-economic development since opening the business in Gaborone in 1970.

Its CEO, Mr Hiten Upadhyay said the investment was substantial because the project would not benefit Gasita alone but other villages in the vicinity.

Mr Boiki Thomas, representing the project contractor, Self-Reliance Builders, said the project was expected to take six months and promised that it would be completed within time and budget.

He said the 13-roomed facility with four ablution blocks was expected to relieve residents the burden of travelling long distances in search of medical attention.

It would also reduce congestion at facilities where Gasita residents were currently accessing services, said Mr Thomas.

The clinic will have delivery, antenatal, postnatal, counselling, dispensary, consulting, injection, medical, resting and drug rooms as well as a mini-laundry, store room and kitchenette. Ends