Facelift for Reakgona thanks to Meropa

POLOKWANE – Meropa Casino and Entertainment World has started work to renovate and refurbish one of Reakgona Disability Centre’s residences.

Established in 1998, Reakgona Disability Centre started with 22 adults who came from Grace and Hope Lsen School.

Today, Reakgona serves 154 clients from across Limpopo, caring and training for adults with all spectrum of mental disability: epileptics, brain damaged, micro and hydrocephalic, autism and Down Syndrome.

“When we started this project two years ago, we did not think that it would turn out so great. We evaluated the home to see what was needed and how we can upgrade it. It was lacking security and was not proper to serve as a stimulation home. That is when Reakgona’s management and Meropa decided to join hands and renovate the building, which will be known as ‘Meropa House’,” said Meropa’s Corporate Social Investment practitioner, Mothomoni Mapela.

Apart from the budget set aside in October by Meropa’s Corporate Social Investment division, Meropa embarked on a fundraising golf challenge, where R80 000 was raised and contributed towards the renovation work at Reakgona.

So far, the building has received a new roof with ceiling, tiling, new toilets, showers, an apron, doors, new window panes and burglar doors.

In the final phase of the renovation, Meropa will install electricity cables, connect borehole water, develop a dry garden, fence the building, plaster the building on the outside and furnish it with beds, chairs, tables and curtains.

“Meropa believes in working together with the centre and the residents at the centre, sharing roles and responsibilities where possible.

There are certain areas in which Meropa will purchase the materials and the residents will assist with labour to create a sense of ownership and a need to secure it and use it with care and diligence,” said Mapela.

He said Meropa had allocated an amount of R380 000 for the renovations and refurbishments.

“We believe that at the end of the project, Meropa management’s will be able to look at Meropa House and say they made a lasting difference where it is needed the most.”