Debswana, Habitat To Build 120 Homes For Poor

By Tumelo Setshogo
Correspondent | Monday May 26, 2008 00:00

 

The partnership started last year in Sese where 41 houses were built with DJM donating P200, 000.

The next project of this nature is earmarked for Mokhomma.

Debswana has increased its donation to the tune of P350, 000 for the Maokane project while HFHB paid staff will build the houses. 

According HFHB managing director Kabelo Seadimo, beneficiaries will be required to repay the money interest-free so others can benefit. He said the money is going to be used for the entire project in Maokane and urged residents who cannot afford commercial bank loans to utilise the scheme.

Seadimo said through their partnership they have successfully served families in Sese, adding that the second phase of 'our partnership, named Matlo go sha mabapi, is aimed at serving three communities by providing 120 families with houses over three years'.

He said this partnership enables DJM to contribute to a globally tested and successful community-driven initiative in support of disadvantaged groups. 'DJM's support will focus on communities living around their operational areas, hence help transform the lives of low-income families in a highly sustainable and visible manner,' noted Habitat chief.

He said the partnership has done more than provide housing units. 'It has brought less oppressive environment, probability of better health, sense of dignity, strengthened communities, and stronger family relationships and mostly hope.'

Launching the project, DJM general manager Balisi Bonyongo said the initiative is in line with President Seretse Khama Ian Khama's policy of achieving 'Dignity For All Batswana' during his presidency and in line with Vision 2016.

Bonyongo also emphasised the need to repay loans, saying 'it is only by paying back that DJM and HFHB can continue to provide funds to build houses for other deserving members of the community'.

For his part, Ngwaketse West Member of Parliament (MP) Mephato Reatile encouraged residents to grab the opportunities brought to them by DJM and HFHB. He said what the partnership is doing is complementing government effort 'because government can't manage without help from the communities and companies'.