21 Jan 2026

Two farmers in Monarch area, Francistown have called for government assistance following the loss of their broiler chickens and feeds during heavy downpours.

The farmers said they had not received any help for restocking despite undergoing assessments every time disaster hits.

Last year in February, Ms Masego Pule said she lost 2 500 broilers and 40 bags of feeds while she lost 170 broilers and seven bags of feeds in December, while her co-farmer, Ms Nthabiseng Motswetla lost 198 broilers and eight bags of due to downpours.

Ms Pule however, attributed the recurrence of flooding in the area to how the internal roads were constructed, which blocked the flow of water.

Ms Pule suggested relocation saying most of them had to seek shelter from relatives during heavy rains.

 For his part, Francistown Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Patrick Tlotleng said whenever disaster hits, priority of the district response team was to ensure that lives were spared.

He also said they had to ensure that some were relocated and provided with shelter and necessities such as food and clothes.

Thereafter, he said a comprehensive assessment ensued, which covered destroyed goods and properties.

Mr Tlotleng appreciated the support from Business Botswana through the Private Sector Disaster Response Fund (PSDRF), an initiative which supported businesses affected by the flood.

He said the Fund supported continuity of business operations and recovery from the crisis.

 Last year after the February heavy downpours, he said PSDRF assisted victims in North East, Tonota and Francistown districts with food hampers and household items. ENDS