12 Jun 2016

Residents of Masukwane in the North East District have been assured of government’s commitment to ensuring that electricity becomes accessible to all Batswana.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Masukwane on Thursday, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama stated that Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) would be availed funds to increase the number of transformers to ensure that no Motswana failed to benefit from the standard electricity connection fee of P5 000.

At the moment, President Khama said only those whose yards fell within a 500-metre radius from a transformer could benefit from the standard fee, something which he said continued to disadvantage many others who were said to fall outside layout maps and were thus expected to connect electricity at a higher fee.

He appealed to those whose quotations for connection were high to exercise patience while government was still trying to secure funds to expand electricity distribution network.

On the request by a resident Ms Etani Casmon that the Out-of-School Education and Training (OSET) classroom  in the village be electrified to allow for learners to attend evening classes, President Khama assured residents that government would look for ways to help in that regard.

On the same issue, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow pointed out that a solution to the matter would be sought.

She, however, commended Ms Casmon for her desire to make full use of the services offered through OSET, saying the ministry valued life-long learning.

She said it was heartening that there were people who valued education despite their age.

Ms Casmon had also asked that adult learners be given sports equipment in particular balls as they had the desire to engage in sport for purposes of enhancing their physical fitness. ENDS