24 Jul 2016

Starting from June 25, 2016 the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, through the Central District Council, started treatment of bats at Tewane Primary School.

This was said by Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen when responding to a question in Parliament from Mahalapye West MP, Mr Joseph Molefhe.

“The work commenced with the removal of ceiling panels in badly infested classrooms and will continue until completion on July 27, 2016,” said Mr Van Der Westhuizen.

Furthermore, the Assistant Minister said council previously undertook termite treatment in affected classrooms using in-house maintenance teams. However, he said this had to be repeated due to the new infestation, adding that a decision has been taken to engage specialists, funds permitting.

“I am aware of the maintenance works that need to be carried out at Tewane Primary School, but due to budgetary constraints the works done to date have been limited in scope; the school’s administration block and one LA2 teacher’s quarter were maintained in December 2015 and June 2016, respectively,” he added.

Replacement of worn out furniture, Mr Van Der Westhuizen said, would be considered in the coming financial year.

Mr Molefhe wanted to know if Mr Van Der Westhuizen was aware that two classrooms at Tewane Primary School had been infested with bats and termites, and that the situation was unbearable and not conducive for learning. 

The Mahalapye West MP also wanted to know when would the bats and termites be treated, when would maintenance of the school be carried out and when would additional classrooms be constructed since there was acute shortage of classrooms at the school. Ends