Two Chinese contractors, China Civil (CCEC) and Whitacom together last week handed over six houses to the poor in Shakawe Village as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
The initiative comes as a response to President Ian Khama’s Housing Appeal.
Giving a keynote address during the event, Norman Wright, the Director of Wright Inc, which owns, Choppies and Legae Supermarkets in the village, thanked the two companies, saying that the donation is a clear indication that the private sector is continuing to reinforce its efforts with government to improve the livelihood of Batswana.
“The two companies have built a total of six houses, each constructing three houses for six identified beneficiaries in Shakawe,” he said.
Wright reminded the participants at the event that the government of Botswana cannot afford to help the underprivileged in the country without the input of the private sector and the citizens.
“As you may be aware, one of the pillars of Vision 2016 is a compassionate, just and caring nation” the two companies are in line with that pillar and we thank them for that,” he said.
He went on to say to the participants that shelter is a basic need for every human being. He added that building a house for someone instills a sense of dignity and relieves the person from the stress of not having a place to live in. He challenged the beneficiaries to take care of the houses and utilize them to better their lives.
Speaking on behalf of the two contractors, the Site Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction (CCEC) Jie Hao revealed to the participants that the two organizations have made it their responsibility to help in improving the quality of life for the less privileged residents.
“I am convinced that this programme is one step to make a bright future for the needy residents of Shakawe,” he said.
He also lauded President Ian Khama in his housing appeal initiative and for also involving the private sector in the endeavor.
Giving an overview of the project, the Okavango Sub Council Chairman, Samson Mauano told the participants that the two companies donated the houses after President Ian Khama’s appeal in 2010 to help nine destitute in Shakawe who did not have descent homes. He said that in response to the appeal, the companies managed to build six houses. Mauano thanked the two companies for their efforts and also pleaded with the residents to be active in helping the needy.
“Although the other three destitute were not helped, I still plead with the private sector and the community to help them,” he said.
