Poorly maintained schools infested with bats
Govt sets aside P140m for primary school maintenance
Government has budgeted P140 million this year for the maintenance of primary schools around the country which are currently not conducive for learning.
Classrooms and teachers’ quarters in many areas throughout the country are not only in a bad state, but are also infested with bats, posing health hazards to occupants. This has been attributed to poor maintenance over a long period.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Molefi Keaja concurred with legislators and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members, Mabuse Pule and Taolo Lucas, who both raised concern about the bad state of schools in their constituencies - that schools are poorly looked after. Keaja said in addition to seriously considering technologies that can be used to get rid of the bats, his ministry is doing all in its power to find lasting solution to the marauding bats. He revealed that the majority of the P140m will be mainly used for maintenance of the primary schools affected. MP Lucas had sought clarity on the ‘leave no one behind’ principle preached in parliament, as it seemed like some sections of the population known as Remote Area Dwellers (RADs) continue to remain disadvantaged, especially considering indicators such as job creation, health, education, telecommunication,
housing as well as roads maintenance.
Lucas, a social worker himself, stated that all available social provisions have not been able to make significant impact on poverty reduction among the majority of Batswana, especially those living in rural and remote areas. Lucas said the Remote Area Development Policy that existed for 20 years, does not appear to have qualitative improvement on the quality of the lives of RADs. Keaja revealed that progress was being made among the 70 settlements in the seven districts countrywide in terms of roads, infrastructure education and health. Giving an example, Keaja said there is a lot that is being done in Gantsi District to improve the lives of its people. Regarding the Rural Area Development Programme Policy (RADP), he said they have identified a consultant and will soon advise on the way-forward. Keaja said his ministry has been engaging some NGOs for assistance and added that structures like the Children’s committees at district level are helpful, but not adequate.