On the 31st of August 2020, Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) handed over an outdoor gym to the community of Old Naledi. This follows the removal of the gym equipment during the construction of the BOL Truck Staging Centre in Old Naledi, restoration and installation at a new site.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Botswana Oil Limited Chief Executive Officer Mr. Meshack Tshekedi, indicated that when the Government availed the two plots along Old Lobatse Road to BOL to build a Truck Staging Centre, the Company saw beyond the Centre. Relationships were formed with the community of Old Naledi as the Company is becoming a resident of the village. He further highlighted that any development has pros and cons hence the displacement of the community outdoor gym. He however underlined that at times the opportunities and benefits are disguised as cons, citing that the new location is more convenient and accessible to the residents than the old one.
To support the community, BOL engaged a local youth contractor to restore the gym. Broken gym equipment was replaced, a new gym site identified, fenced, and equipped. In closing, Mr. Tshekedi indicated that through the Company’s corporate social responsibility, Botswana Oil will continue assisting the village where it can. The member of Parliament for Gaborone South, Hon. Dumezweni Mthimkhulu who graced the event commended BOL for its thoughtful gesture. He further thanked Botswana Oil for engaging a youth-owned company, saying this demonstrates support for the Old Naledi community, not only through donations but the creation of employment.
In his closing remarks, the Councillor for Naledi Central, Hon. Mosimanegape Basalumi thanked BOL and added that such developments contribute towards the development of the village and the betterment of the residents’ lives. He promised that as a community they will care for the facility and ensure that it is used for the betterment of the community.