06 Mar 2025

The anatomy of the Private Sector Disaster Response Fund (PSDRF) allows the Fund to ensure efficient, transparent, and aligned allocations with the communities’ most urgent requirements, says its chairperson Mr Butler Phirie.

Speaking at the Business Botswana PSDRF press conference and hand-over ceremony in Gaborone recently, Mr Phirie said they recognised the importance of transparency pointing that they would institute rigorous measures to ensure the appropriate use of funds.

He said that the Fund was essential for maintaining operations’ integrity and efficiency and assisting those affected by crises. He said the Fund was created to mobilise the private sector to respond to the needs of those in urgent need, ensuring that relief reached those who needed it as quickly and effectively as possible.

He pointed that PSDRF did not work in isolation, but continuously engaged with government representatives, mainly through the Ministry of State President, to understand and address the evolving needs of disaster relief. Mr Phirie pointed out that the law also empowered them to conduct their needs assessments.

He said the nation faced an unprecedented crisis that combined a health emergency with significant economic challenges. He said crisis of that nature were unpredictable, affecting the most vulnerable members of the society the hardest.

‘’Since the Fund’s inception, over P10 million has been raised through contributions and pledges from over 40 companies, ranging from large corporations to small enterprises,’’ he said.

Mr Phirie said that the level of support demonstrated the strength of their members and the entire private sector’s commitment to responding to the crises and support the needs of the community. He said they had received numerous donations, including food, water, medical supplies, logistical support, and monetary donations.

He said the funds they had raised would address the immediate needs of the current disaster and be used to prepare for future emergencies. Mr Phirie pointed that as part of the current relief effort, they had earmarked P5.5 million for a range of urgent actions, including infrastructure repairs, restoration of sewage systems and desilting of the Segoditshane River.

About P1 million will assist the Francistown community, while P500,000 will facilitate Ghanzi.

Business Botswana president, Mr Neo Nwako said the PSDRF was independent as it had an oversight board established to ensure that the Fund operated with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

He said independence was important in upholding the Fund’s integrity and ensuring that it remained focused on supporting all communities across Botswana in times of crisis. Mr Nwako said that besides providing immediate relief, the PSDRF aimed to build long-term sustainability by investing in disaster preparedness and community education.

“It is important that we not only respond to disasters when they occur but also take proactive measures to educate and sensitize our communities on how to prepare for floods and other disasters,” he said. ENDS