Africa-Press – Lesotho. THE Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) this week partnered with Coca-Cola in donating tippy tanks to district police headquarters across the country. The project was launched at Qacha’s Nek Police Station on Monday.
Tippy tanks are simplified handwashing devices which are activated by a foot thereby ensuring that hands can be washed without touching the stand and spread bacteria.
LRCS secretary general Kopano Masilo said the project is meant to ensure that public places that attract many people have hand washing facilities to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The project was funded by Coca-Cola through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to a tune of M546 000. Police stations are among the busiest places where several people meet while seeking services while suspects are also kept in holding cells.
All must observe Covid-19 safety protocols to minimise the spread of Covid-19. Speaking at the handover ceremony on Monday, LRCS president Silas Mosuhli said police officers work with large numbers of people including suspects who must all wash their hands before being locked up to minimise the spread Covid-19 in police cells.
Mr Mosuhli said the LRCS’ top priority was saving lives of all people despite their social standing. “That is why we saw the gaps of hand washing facilities in police stations,” Mr Mosuhli said.
“We also know that our police stations are congested as officers are forced to stay in small rooms with large numbers of civilians.
They also mix with suspects who are kept in congested cells hence hygiene must be observed at all times. That is why we saw the need to assist police stations with hand washing facilities.
For his part, Deputy Commissioner (DCP) of Police Tumelo Moseme expressed gratitude to the LRCS for valuing police officers and their work.
He said police officers will also start donating to the LRCS because of the organisation’s gesture. “I appeal to you to wash your hands and step up the fight against the Covid-19 while we are serving the nation,” DCP Moseme said.
“From today, we will boldly donate to the LRCS where ever we see donation boxes in shopping centres because we now know the value of those donations.
Since we have benefited from a donation, it is only fair that our fellow police officers donate to assist other vulnerable communities,” DCP Moseme said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Qacha’s Nek district administrator Mantsi Tšeane said police officers’ work is essential as they are always in the front mixing with the public while executing their mandate. Mr Tšeane said it was a wise move for the police to get tippy tanks as their work was just as essential as that of teachers and nurses.
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