MAUN - President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama has handed over 25 houses and 600 goats to needy families of Xaixai in the Okavango Sub-District on Sunday.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, President Khama appealed to beneficiaries to take care of the gaots and houses so that government's efforts are not in vain.
The houses were built with money from the President Housing Appeal while the goats were bought through the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development programme.
President Khama also appealed to Kgosi Nxooka Xishee of Xaixai to assist in sensitising the beneficiaries on the importance of taking care of the goats.
He commended companies who responded to his appeal to build houses for needy Batswana.
The benefactors include Willy Kathurima, Mahommed Dada, Farouk Chopdad and the World Group of Companies.
President Khama said the government needs the assistance of business owners to help the needy.
Col. Duke Masilo, a committee member of the President's Housing Appeal, said the initiative was started in 2010 following the President's visit to the area to give Christmas hampers in December 2009.
Col. Masilo noted that the housing appeal is aimed at providing housing for needy families countrywide.
Prospective beneficiaries are identified with the help of social workers and other stakeholders. He said there are 67 remote settlements which require more than 1 000 for houses for the needy. He, therefore, appealed for more contributions to help build the houses.
Mr Maxwell Motowane, the Assistant Minister of Local Government, reiterated government's commitment to improving the lives of Batswana, particularly those in remote areas.Mr Motowane said the review of the Remote Area Development Programme recommended affirmative action for people who live in areas such as Xaixai.
He pleaded with government departments to implement the affirmative action initiatives, including the employment of locals for positions such as cleaners and guards.
He criticised people who trick the beneficiaries into selling the goats at give-away prices, saying the practice defeated the purpose of the programme. He urged beneficiaries to avoid falling into the trap of the tricksters.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Kgosi Xishee thanked the government for the houses as well as the Nteletsa 2 project.
She said she appreciated the construction of teachers' houses and classes at the local school.
She also complained about the high consumption of home-brewed alcohol in Xaixai.
Kgosi Xishee also informed President Khama that a businessman who had won a tender for the construction of a lodge in partnership with the village trust had pulled out, and requested the President to assist in finding another partner.
President Khama informed residents that the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism has promised to help re-tender for the construction of the lodge.
At the handing over ceremony, Choppies representatives donated hampers for the children while the World Groups of Companies donated three school uniforms for each child, together with 25 footballs and 25 netballs.
President Khama also handed out bonuses amounting to P70 000, to be shared among the eight builders who were engaged to build the 25 houses.
BOPA