03 Apr 2013

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) provides ablution facilities in all schools, with hot water being provided only at boarding schools, says Assistant Minister Patrick Masimolole.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Masimolole said while construction of schools was done in line with building regulations, school facilities were determined by the population of the school.

He said the ministry provides schools with basic ablution facilities, and that soap dispensers, sanitary disposal bins and toilets for disabled are not part of the provisions. 

However, Mr Masimolole said since the inclusive education policy, the child friendly policy, health policy and the establishment of the department of support services, the ministry had started modifying schools  so that all learners including those with disabilities could have access to school facilities.

He said “these policies have also led to some schools starting to provide gadgets to assist in creating a healthy environment in schools. Mr Masimolole noted that toilets at schools were provided with toilet seats and locks on cubicle doors and it was “through vandalism at some schools that these are missing.”

The MP for Gaborone West North, Mr Robert Masitara had wanted to know whether under the schools premises regulations, there were specific provisions regarding school toilets that regulated the percentage of schools with toilet facilities with hot water, soap, sanitary disposal bins for girls, missing seats, toilets for disabled and locks missing on cubicle doors. ENDS