28 Feb 2017

Primary Schools Backlog Eradication and schools internet connectivity programmes are two categories of projects which are undertaken through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) in the Francistown East constituency.

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe said in the Primary Schools Backlog Eradication programme, there are seven projects namely the construction of teachers’ quarters in Ntshe and Monarch primary schools, construction of toilet blocks and a classroom block at Ntshe Primary School.

Answering a question in Parliament on February 27, Mr Kwerepe indicated that separate contracts had been awarded for the electrification of the facilities as part of the unbundling of projects to allow maximum participation by citizens.

Furthermore, he stated that of the primary schools projects, four projects were completed, one was awaiting handover to council.

“Construction of teachers’ houses for Ntshe and Monarch primary schools is lagging behind due to poor performance of the contractor.

He has been requested to increase bricklayers and speed up the process, which he has done,” he said. He noted that on the school connectivity programme, which supplies and installs ICT equipment to allow internet connectivity in schools, Phatlhogo and Ntshe primary schools were part of the Phase I of the programme covering 103 primary and junior secondary schools country wide.

“Additional 11 schools will be done in Francistown the next financial year as part of Phase 2 and 3 of the programme,” he said. Speaking on the contractors and the value of contracts, Mr Kwerepe said Phangastin Projects were awarded the construction of two blocks of flats (teachers’ quarters) at Ntshe and Monarch primary schools to the tune of P14million.

He said 5’Ds Building and Construction got the building works for three and two bedroomed teachers’ quarters for P2million. Mr Kwerepe further said GM Works and Emporium got the construction of toilet blocks at Ntshe Primary School for P670 500.

“Bawumbe Construction got the building works for a 1x2 classroom block at Ntshe Primary School for P1.1 million, Timing Bee Holdings got the electrification of 2 blocks of flats for Ntshe and Monarch primary schools for P945 477.

Level Crossing got the electrification of toilet blocks for P54 135, Molochwa and Sons were given the electrification of 1x2 classroom block for P68 890 and Maltem Enterprise was given internet connectivity for 6 schools, including Ntshe and Phatlogo primary schools for P4million,” he said.

MP for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister to state the number and type of projects undertaken through ESP in the Francistown East constituency and the names of the contractors and value of each contract and/or project. ENDS