Karowe Diamond Mine is helping to upgrade Letlhakane Abattoir in Boteti Sub District in an endeavor to support Boteti Sub District livestock farmers. This is also part of the diamond mining company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
The upgrade of the facility is expected to enable a threefold increase in daily throughput of cattle and goats and further ensure that the facility meets or exceeds all national health, quality and safety standards on an ongoing basis. The mine is partnering with Boteti Sub District and Lundin Foundation, a global philanthropic organization to undertake the project
Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony in Latlhakane village last week to mark the commencement of the project, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lucara Diamond Corporation, which owns Karowe Diamond Mine, William Lamb said that the decision to make this investment in partnership with Boteti Sub District and Lundin Foundation was made after a detailed assessment of the region’s underlying sources of economic competitiveness.
“While both ecotourism and horticulture were considered attractive, nether we believed could deliver sustained social impact at scale across the entire sub district,” Lamb said.
He said that the project is due to be complete in April 2015. Lamb further assured the residents that any disruption to current activities during the construction period would be minimized.
“To this end we have been reliable informed that temporary slaughter facilities will be permitted, with these facilities being regularly inspected, to ensure a continuous supply of safe meat products to the region,” he added.
Lamb said that Karowe Diamond Mine will partner with Boteti Sub District to augment government’s efforts to ensure that benefits from an upgraded facility are shared widely, through the provision of mobile veterinary services aimed at improving animal health. He further encouraged the farmers in the region to take advantage of these services.
“With this investment, it is our hope and expectation that the Sub District will enjoy four benefit streams being: Increased direct employment at the new facility, increased indirect employment due to expanded throughput, improved availability and pricing of meat locally and increased incomes and food security of rural livestock owners,” he said.
For her part, Charlotte Ward of Lundin Foundation thanked Karowe Diamond Mine and Boteti Sub District for their cordial working relationship in uplifting the lives of Boteti residents.
“I also have to thank the government of Botswana in its quest to develop its citizens. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the people of this region and Botswana at large,” she said.
The Lundin Foundation, which is also a partner in the project, is a global philanthropic organization which was formed by the Lundin Family.
The foundation provides risk capital, technical assistance and strategic grants to outstanding social enterprises and organizations across the globe with a view to contribute to sustained improvement in social and economic development.
