17 Jun 2025

 In an effort to mitigate the aftermath of the recent past disaster caused by heavy rainfall, Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) will deliver relief packages to 80 beneficiaries in Kweneng District.

The package will include food, blankets, mattresses and hygiene packs. 

The aid was announced by Red Cross officials in a meeting with the deputy district commissioner and other government officials in Molepolole on Monday. Mr Mompoloki Nawa of the BRCS’ disaster management team said the beneficiaries were identified with the help of stakeholders in the district. He said BRCS will through the support of 10 volunteers and two officials distribute the packages during the course of the week to identified beneficiaries, thus appealed to district leadership to where possible offer any form of assistance to ease the process.

Deputy district commissioner, Mr Innocent Maotwe applauded BRCS for playing vital role in disaster management.

Other than the past heavy rains that have resulted in floods, displacing people, causing death, damage to infrastructure and disrupting distribution of social amenities, he said Kweneng was prone to many forms of disasters.

He said the aftermath of the disaster was still fresh in the minds of many as some were far from recuperating, therefore BRCS aid came at an opportune moment.  Mr Maotwe said over 500 people, including children were heavily affected by the floods in Kweneng District, adding that three people lost their lives in the calamity. “You are always supportive and always with us in times of need. Your assistance came at a time when it was most needed,”said Mr Maotwe, adding that some members of the community were housed in sub-standard structures that could not withst the impact of disasters, as it was the case with the past heavy rains. He said the situation has generally disturbed livelihoods, affecting food production as a result of damage to crops and loss of livestock. “Whatever support you provide will benefit the district now and in future,” he said. ENDS