11 Dec 2017

The water situation at Molepolole Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) might lead to the closure of the institution if it remains unresolved.

Presenting the Kweneng District Development Committee report (DDC) to councillors during the just ended Kweneng District Council meeting, principal district officer, Mr Kabelo Ntopo said due to the persisting water problem, the institution might resolve to suspend teaching and relocate students to other institutions as there was no immediate solution to the challenge.

The DDC report noted that an audit from the University of Botswana, which IHS is an affiliate, was awarded a conditional affiliation certificate pending amendments on issues of services provided to students.

“Noting that there were no immediate resolution to the water challenge at IHS, the institution might be forced to suspend teaching and relocate students to other institutions while attending to maintenance issues,” the DDC report highlighted.

The institution relies on bowsing by Water Utilities Cooperation, but the amount of water was not sufficient for the needs of the institution, especially the ablution area.

Meanwhile, councillors complained about the delayed occupation of BHC houses built under the public officers’ housing initiative.

They said the situation was worrying when public officers in the district were faced with serious accommodation shortage.

Kweneng District commissioner, Dr Themba Mmusi acknowledged the delay, stating that the intention was to sell houses to interested government department, but that they would consider allocating to individual officers as most departments in the district failed to show interest.

On the issue of the Gakgatla ESP Tribal Office, Gakgatla-Ramaphatle councillor, Mr Duncan Ramasiagopana expressed disappointment over the delayed completion of the over P1 700 million project.

Cllr Ramasiagopana pleaded for the district leadership’s intervention as officers responsible were allegedly failing the project.

He also expressed disappointment over the insistence on occupation to the uncompleted work ignoring the fact that there has to be inspection before occupation could be made.

They include among others, mounting of a tank attached to the main building, final paintings, door’s labeling, a permanent dust bin as well as unpaid workers.

However, Dr Mmusi promised to take up the matter with the relevant authorities for appropriate action. ENDS