Africa-Press – Botswana. When the BCL Mine closed in 2016,dreams and hopes of thousands of residents who viewed the undertaking as a lifeline for communities in the SPEDU region were shattered.
Four years later after the closure, a new initiative was launched, the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project, by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Residents of the township and those from surrounding villages then had their hope renewed as they looked forward to the success of the project, which promises to bring a turnaround of lives and economic activities in the region.
Once fully operational, the project sparks the light in the dark tunnel of some residents who have had to endure the impacts after the mine was closed, particularly of unemployment.
In random interviews to get a view of what the community expected from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus project, BOPA met with some who have already nailed job opportunities at the citrus farm.
One Jowapi Moyo, aged 45, could not hide his excitement to have been among those called for a job.
She shared how he was blessed and looking forward to working hard because such an opportunity he would always treasure.
“I’ve been tossed from pillar to post looking for a job.
Sometimes I made ends meet with temporary work, but the money never got me any far.
My troubles with money were evident.
I’m happy that being called to serve on a permanent basis in the orchard will make a difference,” Moyo said.
For Bame Phane, aged 20, it was a dream come true.
Phane is among those that have been employed and could not hide the tears of joy.
He shared how he already had a clear vision about such an opportunity and in the main, his intention to save part of his monthly salary to advance academically for another possible opportunity with the project.
“The farm offers a wealth of handy skills that one may constantly take advantage of.
As such I wish to undertake a skills training in order to be relevant in one of the areas of competence here and maybe be promoted in the future,” he said.
Kefilwe Makwate, a 42-year-old resident of Bobonong, said he was aware that not all would be called for job opportunities.
Nevertheless, Makwate said he was excited that in addition to employment, the project presented some business opportunities he would certainly want to tap into, especially the in areas of food processing and supplies of other essentials such as stationery.
“I am pleased with the transparency with which employment vacancies had been announced thus far, giving all eligible applicants the opportunity to apply,” he added.
Kgosi Ishmael Legwaila of Botshabelo, narrated how many were left jobless when the BCL Mine closed in 2016, something he said had exacerbated crime and other social ills within the town.
He said the advent of yet another promising opportunity was a welcome development for his area, which was known for extreme poverty.
He said the project presented opportunities for empowerment and therefore urged Botshabelo residents to fully take advantage of.
Kgosi Tlhako Motlhasedi of Tobane applauded government and investors for what he termed a good job, bringing yet another lifeline initiative to a community that had lost hope after the BCL Mine closure.
“We need to embrace and protect this project as our next possible effort to shift the narrative about lack of employment here.
We are aware that some people may be encouraged to engage in inappropriate behaviour such as common theft and corruption, once such projects are fully operational.
We are keeping an eye on you,” he said.
He said it was therefore up to the communities from nearby villages to work effortlessly for continued success of the project.
The project’s production assistant manager, Tlhonolofatso Ogolotse said currently, more than 200 people from nearby areas had been engaged for permanent employment and expected the number to increase during the harvesting period and after.
Meanwhile, President Masisi is expected to conduct the official launch of the harvest period on March 21.
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