08 Aug 2017

Minister of Basic Education says her ministry is aware that Mowana Junior Secondary School has experienced growth of up to 18 streams, and that there has not been an expansion of infrastructure.

Dr Unity Dow noted that she had previously informed Parliament that her ministry was committed to construct six classrooms under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) initiative.

She said the ministry had hoped that it could be started this financial year, but that due to the large financial commitments of her ministry, they would only be able to consider implementation in the 2018/19 financial year.

Dr Dow also informed Parliament that junior secondary schools were built with limited infrastructure, and that subsequently the ministry had embarked on an expansion programme designed to address their shortcomings.

She said the expansion programme has also had to develop to take cognizance of the introduction of HODs and other changes in staffing, expansion, operation and curriculum which had impacted on the infrastructure.

“When funds are secured Mowana Junior Secondary School will undergo expansion which will take care of the HODs offices,” said Minister Dow, adding that the expansion would also take care of the school kitchen.

She noted that Mowana Junior Secondary School has a multi-purpose hall which could be used for students dining.

“My ministry does not build dining halls in junior schools,” she said.

Dr Dow also said her ministry was aware of challenges with ablutions in the school, and that the ministry’s technical department would ensure that all serviceable facilities were repaired.

She said her team would assess how best to assist the school with its current challenges including the repairs to the agriculture facilities.

Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Mr Joseph Molefe had asked the minister if she aware that Mowana Junior Secondary School has experienced growth up to 18 streams, but that there has not been expansion of infrastructure.

Mr Molefe said if this was so, when would additional classrooms be constructed at the school as all Form One students were taught outside under trees.

He also asked when would HODs in the school have office accommodation, and when would a purpose designed kitchen be constructed as students were served food outside in a dusty area with no facilities.

The MP also asked when would additional students’ toilets be constructed as the girls toilets sunk in 2012 after heavy rains and were never repaired, and when would the old and dilapidated agricultural science structures be repaired as currently agriculture activities in the syllabus had been put on hold. ENDS