09 Jul 2017

 Toromoja will be considered for future network extensions to cater for areas that are not currently covered by the power network.

Answering a question in Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang explained that Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) undertakes village network extensions from time to time to cater for village growth and to close gaps in areas that would have been outside the electrification scope during the initial electrification project.

Advocate Kebonang noted that Toromoja was electrified in 2007/ 2009 as part of the 30 village’s electrification project, and that to date there had not been any network extension project undertaken in the village.

He said without any planned network extensions by BPC, customers needing connections outside the area covered by the existing network faced high costs of connection until the network was extended.

He further explained that the extent or coverage of electrification in villages was reviewed from time to time and was subject to availability of resources.

Advocate Kebonang said a definite time line could not be given for Toromoja as the timing depended on availability of resources.

Kgosi Nguvauva Nguvauva had asked the minister to explain when BPC would extend electricity distribution in Toromoja to areas which were currently said to be outside the power grid.

Kgosi Nguvauva had argued that customers were required to pay exorbitant fees to connect electricity in those areas.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya informed Ntlo ya Dikgosi that his ministry was aware that the average class size was in excess of 40 students in Molalatau and Tsetsebjwe junior secondary schools.

Mr Goya said the situation has been exacerbated by regional migration of people from Selebi Phikwe following the closure of BCL mine, adding that classes had about 42 and 44 students.

He said the ministry was aware that it was not aligned with the current policy, adding that due to national needs and ongoing commitments they could not address the issue at this time.

Kgosi Letso Malema of Bobirwa region had asked if the minister was aware that Molalatau, Tsetsebjwe and Gobojango secondary schools had student/teacher ratios of more than the recommended 40 students per class.

Kgosi Malema further wanted to know how the minister intended to address the situation. ENDS