26 Jun 2014

Tsabong Sub-district councillors have been informed that tender for the upgrading of Tsabong Junior Secondary School has been awarded to Zhong Ghan Company at P398 014 711.68.

Councillors complained that students from southern part of Kgalagadi were  admitted at Matsha Senior Secondary School in Kang, which was far and costly for their parents.

They requested that the project be fast-tracked since the situation was affecting students’ education. They observed that the low pass rate by students was as a result of the distance they travelled to senior secondary schools.

Tsabong Sub-district council chairperson, Mr Sam Brooks informed the meeting that in term one of 2014 only, a total of 27 students dropped out from primary schools most of them from Werda cluster with Kokotsha leading by 14 pupils.

He said at junior secondary schools, 20 students dropped out of schools and once again the majority of them, about 9 were from Werda cluster.

‘’It is on a sad note that I must inform you that learner retention is posing a serious challenge in primary schools in some of our villages,’’ he said.

In other issues, councillors were also informed that it is disappointing that Village Development Committee (VDC) house rentals arrears still persist despite efforts made by social and community development department.

He said the problem was due to leniency by VDCs to tenants and their reluctance to take action.

Mr Brooks encouraged councillors to encourage their VDCs to prudently utilise funds accrued from the rentals.

Furthermore, he urged communities from remote area settlements to empower youth by unearthing talents in their areas. He cited Miss RADP pageant that was won by Oratile Moapare of Kokotsha. He said it is commendable and believed that youth will emulate her and promote their district.

Concerning, justice, safety and security, the chairperson indicated that crime level is relatively low in the sub-district as compared to the previous year, adding that police have managed to reduce serious offences like burglary, house breaking, store breaking, robbery and rape except for the use of illicit drugs which he said was still a problem.

Mr Brooks also said in an endeavour to eradicate the use of illicit drugs in community, police have managed to identify and arrested dealers and suppliers of cannabis (motokwane) in large numbers. Ends