24 Feb 2013

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, through the Central District Council, is undertaking maintenance works on classrooms and teachers blocks at Mokubilo and Mmea primary schools through Ipelegeng programme.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Tuesday, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said due to budgetary constraints, the maintenance was restricted to essential works that would keep the building functional and safe to use.

Ms Tshireletso said the project at Mokubilo Primary School was 26 per cent complete while the project at Mmea Primary School was at 60 per cent. Both were expected to be completed by March 31. “I am aware that leaking roofs and the presence of termites and bats in both primary schools created an environment which was not conducive for teaching and learning,” she said.

To improve the conditions in these schools, Ms Tshireletso said the council had prioritised works that would rectify the identified problems. However, she said under the on-going projects, there would be replacement of skirting and notice boards which were prone to termite infestation.

She said prior to installing the new fittings, termite treatment would be done on walls and floors to prevent future infestations. Ms Tshireletso said the leaking roofs in both schools would also be attended to under the on-going projects.

She also said the removal of bats and bat droppings from ceiling voids would be done in-house in both the two primary schools using staff from the Council’s Architecture and Buildings Department and the Environments Health Officers in April.

Ms Tshireletso was responding to a question from Tonota North MP, Mr Fidelis Molao who had asked the minister as to when comprehensive maintenance would be done at Mokubilo and Mmea primary schools to restore the classroom blocks and teachers quarters to usable healthy standards. He also asked whether the minister was aware that termites, bats and leaking roofs for both classrooms and teachers’ unbearable which affects results. ENDS