Botswana Ash mine (Botash) has donated clothing and food items valued at over P20 000 to flood victims in Sowa Town and Dukwi Refugee camp.
In Sowa Town the donation was for the 92 residents of Tshwaane, Malelejwe and Semowane who are temporarily accommodated in tents at Sowa Customary Court. The donation comprised blankets, mattresses, toiletry and clothing. In the Dukwi camp, the donation was for the 325 refugees whose food was washed away by the floods.
Botash managing director, Mr Montwedi Mphathi said there was need to look for a permanent solution because every year residents of Malelejwe, Tshwaane and Semowane were affected by rains due to ground level.
He said the mine would consider renting portable toilets for the residents to prevent water borne diseases. Mr Mphathi noted the need to avail resources and strengthen disaster preparedness committees.
Sowa deputy district commissioner, Mr Mokgethi Nfila said the victims were relocated on January 17 following the floods. He commended Botash and all individuals for their assistance.
Councillor Richard Sikwane was worried that some victims could not be rescued as there was no access to their settlements.
Dukwi Refugee Camp Settlement commandant, Mr Bonang Leepo said the camp was home to 3 700 refugees and 325 were affected by the floods. He explained that 125 were still accommodated at the primary school because their houses were washed away.
UNHCR Head of Field, Ms Jane Okello said they have distributed 72 tents since the start of the floods on January 16. She however said shortage of food was a challenge. She said the floods caught everybody unprepared and the donated food came at the right time. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Keamogetse Letsholo
Location : FRANCISTOWN
Event : Donation
Date : Jan 24 Thu,2013
