Patricia Maganu
21 August 2008
Opapa — The mining giant, Debswana is funding projects worth about half a million Pula in Xhere, Rakops and Maun.
The projects include construction of a kitchen shelter at Xhere, extension of Kgotla offices at Rakops and construction of a tuck shop in Maun. The projects that are being funded by the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) will all be complete by October 20, Debswana says.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Xhere and Rakops villages, Orapa and Letlhakane Mines (OLM) General Manager, Seb Sebetlela, said that even though there were many problems in the villages, Debswana was taking it one problem at a time to help the villages that surround the mine.
"We have taken the responsibility to help communities around our mining area," he says. He told the villagers that after many consultations they decided on projects that they could start with in those villages.
"Even though Kgotla offices are not the only problems that you have, we decided to start here," he told Rakops residents.
Sebetlela further told residents of both villages to co-operate with Debswana and the contractors that will be handling the projects. "We cannot make the problems disappear but if we work together, things can be easier," he added.
Refurbishing of the Kgotla at Rakops will be done at around P223,000, the kitchen at Xhere at P156,000 and the tuckshop at Maun will cost about P119,000. Sebetlela told the residents of Xhere that Debswana is striving to better the lives of those who work for the mine and their families.
"We want to know where they come from and how they live where they come from so we can better situations in any way we can," he said. Sebetlela also said they wanted to build a relationship with community leaders so as to better help the communities.
Rakops councillor, Amos Ramakhudu, said with the help of Debswana the council could now focus on other projects. "The Kgotla offices were already in the development plan so this means that we can remove the project and add another one there," he said.
He also commended Debswana for the short time in which they are going to do the projects. "Timeliness is an important thing. If all projects can be done this fast, things will progress," he stated.
Ramakhudu further urged the residents to cooperate with the contractors so the project finishes on time. He also called out to the contractors who are coming to the villages to try and hire the village youth so that they have something to do.
Debswana communications officer, Sarah Mahupela said that the funds that CSI raised were solely for the community projects. "It is better to do something for the people than to hand out a cheque," she said.
"If it was handing out money we could have done that even last year, but with projects like these, it is different because a lot of consultation has to be made," she said.
Debswana has also taken the initiative to hire contractors that are from Boteti so as to empower them.
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