02 Mar 2025

Chief Executive Officer of Business Botswana, Mr Norman Moleele last week updated the media on Private Sector Disaster Response Fund which was launched recently.

Addressing a press conference following a tour to assess Molapo Crossing Mall after recent flooding, Mr Moleele said  that the initiative, was a private sector-led initiative focused on providing rapid disaster response and recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters.

“The fund, currently at P5 million, is set to provide financial assistance, resources and guidance to all across the country,” he said.

Mr Moleele emphasised that the initiative came at a time when businesses, particularly in sectors such as homesteads, schools, hospitality, government departments, tourism and retail, were struggling due to disruptions caused by the events such as the global pandemic, natural disasters and economic instability.

According to Mr Moleele, the fund would offer both direct financial aid and advisory services, helping businesses to weather storms and emerge stronger in the long run.

“We understand that Botswana’s economy is largely driven by the success of businesses, and when these entities face crisis, the impact is felt nationwide, and now the recent flood have affected communities” emphasising that the relief fund aimed to provide a lifeline to all sectors of society, ensuring they continued to thrive despite the challenges they may face.

Mr Moleele said the fund would fill critical gaps where government funding might face delays, ensuring swift and effective assistance to affected communities, further stating that the fund would be managed by a dedicated board with Business Botswana acting as the secretariat, while the government would play a supporting role through the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC).

“There are people who have been evacuated and need shelter, food, hygiene products, and other necessities, the roads are damaged, and we will facilitate the fixing of potholes, additionally, many buildings have been left dilapidated due to the floods, and we commit to restoring the affected infrastructure,” he explained.

Mr Moleele stressed that the relief fund was not intended to be a once-off effort but would be an ongoing initiative to continuously address the needs of affected communities. Beyond financial support, the fund will also provide access to expert advice on crisis management, recovery strategies and navigating legal and financial hurdles.

He further pointed that it would independently assess and identify beneficiaries, ensuring that resources were allocated where they were most needed.

Dr Didimalang Biorn, a Disaster Psychologist and a member of the fund’s  technical team, highlighted that the relief fund not only serves as financial support but also as a symbol of solidarity. Dr Biorn explained that in times of crisis, people needed the confidence that they were not alone.

“The displaced individuals affected by the recent flooding need more than physical assistance, they also need emotional support,” she said.

She therefore said many of them have been impacted psychologically, “and we have collaborated to play a key role in rebuilding the community’s resilience, and ensure that, as a nation, we recover, adapt and ultimately thrive in the face of adversity.”

Dr Wame Dikobe, a Public Health Specialist and a member of the technical team, added that the team would also provide advice on health matters, particularly those brought on by floods, such as waterborne diseases.
In addition to responding to disasters, the fund will undertake proactive measures, particularly in improving early warning systems and empowering local communities to better handle emergencies. ENDS