Chanoga village picks pieces after hailstorm

BONIFACE KEAKABETSE
Correspondent | Saturday May 11, 2013 00:00

This dusty Bayei and Barolong village situated 40 kilometres south east of Maun along the Maun-Francistown road has been chosen to host what is said to be the biggest of all the previous governments' poverty eradication Pitsos from March 1-3.  Speaking in an interview with The Monitor recently, Sethodi said the villagers are elated that an event of this magnitude is coming to their village. However, this has been affected by the recent rain-induced floods that have left many mud huts in rubbles.

The disaster left more than 40 families homeless. He said among the affected include young children saying it is ironic that a big poverty Pitso is coming just after residents have been impoverished by the disaster.'The villagers would have been  happier about this event had it not been for the disaster that befell us last month. About 50 houses were washed away while some are still falling down.' he said.Sethodi concurred that despite help in the form of tents and food baskets from the Disaster Management office and the Red Cross, the floods have affected the villagers emotionally.Sethodi, however, said they were working hard to ensure that this misery would not affect the preparations. He said the village leadership has identified three spots where tented camps for visitors are being constructed. He said they have been informed that President Ian Khama and his counterpart from Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba and other high profile visitors are to spend the night in tents in the village.

Sethodi further said the occasion will be a big exposure for the village especially its beautiful riverine scenery. One of these areas, he said, is a river spot known as 'Tsibogo la Matebele.' Sethodi said the place is historic as it was the epic battle ground where the Batawana fought and defeated the helpless cattle marauding Ndebeles of the historically renowned Chief Mzilikazi.According to a statement from the Ngamiland District Commissioner, Bernadette Malala, the event will be broadcast live internationally. It further said amongst those coming for the event include dignitaries from the United Nations. Rigorous preparations led by Malala are currently underway.