27 Jun 2018

Some Ngamiland councillors have requested the district leadership to send a delegation to conduct an inspection at Makalamabedi Junior Secondary School in the Boteti Region.

They said the environment at the school, which admits 95 per cent of children from Ngamiland district, is not conducive for teaching and learning.

Speaking during the ongoing council meeting, councillors said the school was in bad state and needed urgent attention.

One of the councillors, Cllr Geoffrey Sekuni of Phuduhudu/Chanoga said the institution was in a bad condition, noting that general hygiene in the hostels was not impressive.

He also noted that there was shortage of necessities like mattresses for most students.

With regard to the school facilities, Mr Sekuni observed that there was shortage of classes and thus some students were taught under trees.

In addition, he said the buildings required urgent routine maintenance as the ablution blocks were in a terrible situation posing a health hazard to students and teachers.

He also revealed that shortage of teachers’ accommodation was a serious concern, as most teachers were on shared accommodation.

Cllr Boitameto Olebogile of Makalamabedi concurred, saying the situation at the school was unhealthy.

On other issues, Mr Sekuni called on the Department of Veterinary Services to consider constructing ablution blocks at the Makalamabedi Artificial Insemination ranch.

He said currently, there was only one toilet shared by both male and female officers, which he said was in a bad state as there was no roofing and door.

Cllr Grace Moleta also called on the same department to increase the number of toilets at the Makalamabedi gate, saying there was only one functioning toilet, which was used by all passengers using the Maun/Francistown and Maun/Gaborone roads.

She also complained about poor performance by students from the North West Region studying at Motlopi Junior Secondary School, revealing that of the thirteen who were completing their Junior Certificate, only one got grade C while the rest got grade E.

The deputy council chairperson, Mr Latlhang Molonda said even though the school was in a different region, the council would conduct an inspection and take the issue up with the relevant authorities in the Central Region. ENDS