Submitted by brcs on Mon, 2009-12-07 23:21
The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS), a humanitarian organization with the mandate to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters moved swiftly to answer a call for help from the devastated Matakula family. This nuclear family of eight was involved in a fire outbreak that was caused by liquid gas petroleum which was kept in the same room that the family shared in Ginger, Broadhurst. The fire explosion left three family members including a two year old grandson dead and the rest sustaining serious burn wounds. The three members who included a mother died and were laid to rest at Marobela village in the Tutume. The members who sustained severe fire burns are currently receiving medical attention at Princess Marina Hospital.
BRCS instituted by an act of Parliament as an auxiliary to Government exist to provide disaster stricken citizens such as the Matakula family timely assistance to counter-act such tragedy. In this regard, BRCS quickly organized food, clothing and other basic items which were donated to the Matakula family on May 18, 2009 at a relative’s home in Broadhurst. The Secretary General of BRCS, Mabel Rammekwa handed over the donation on behalf of Botswana Red Cross Society to Adam Matakula, a nephew to the victims. In her remarks, Rammekwa expressed BRCS condolences to the Matakula family for their loss. “It is fulfilling for BRCS to provide this kind of assistance to victims of natural and man-made disasters and we hope these donated items will go a long way in helping the family” she said. The donated items included blankets, shoes, a gas stove, mattresses, a gas cylinder and other items. She concluded by thanking her team for acting quickly in answering this call for help.
“It is fulfilling for BRCS to provide this kind of assistance to victims of natural and man-made disasters and we hope these donated items will go a long way in helping the family”
Adam Matakula, the recipient of the donations, explained that Enock Matakula, a grieving widow and father could not attend to the BRCS team to receive the donation for his family as he was still recovering from his injuries. He said that he was still grieving from his devastating loss. Adam thanked the community for their support and reserved his biggest gratitude for the Broadhurst Police Station and Botswana Red Cross Society. Matakula told the BRCS team that the hospitalised family members were recovering well but it has been a huge challenge feeding the remaining family members.
As the BRCS team looked around where the incident happened, all evident was the room dominated by debris of scorched ashes, blackened roof rafters and skeletal remains of the family property. A neighbor, who witnessed the fire, showed the BRCS team and gave a witness account as to what transpired. “When I heard the explosion I rushed to see what was happening. The old man fought to save his family who were still sleeping. He just kept on going, and he was burnt. He managed to save most of the family.” she remarked. She said she was touched by the plight of the family. She expressed her appreciation for the help that BRCS has provided the Matakula family.
“The old man fought to save his family who were still sleeping. He just kept on going, and he was burnt.”
The Broadhurst Police Station Commander Superintendent Counsel Moyo thanked Botswana Red Cross Society for their timely donation and called on Batswana to have a giving heart. Superintendent Moyo cautioned against fires that may cause such disasters. He also spoke of the shock caused by the inferno and called on Batswana to be more careful especially now that it is winter. He said in winter people tend to provide themselves with the warmth and some fires end up causing damage to property and even killing people. He said the Matakula family lost property estimated to the value of P25, 000.00 which included children school books, clothes, beds, mattresses, wardrobe, blankets and assorted food items.
“Matakula family lost property estimated to the value of P25, 000.00 which included children school books, clothes, beds, mattresses, wardrobe, blankets and assorted food items.”