12 Aug 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has expressed gratitude to the Chinese government’s support towards the development of education in Botswana.

Speaking during a ground breaking ceremony of the estimated P120million Mmopane Primary school project donated by the Chinese government through a Chinese Grant in Mmopane, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said she was grateful of the support constantly enjoyed from the relationship between Botswana and Chinese government.

The minister challenged individuals to play their roles wisely and ensure timely delivery of the project and of the required standard.

“I have no doubt that Chinese companies have the potential to deliver quality and up to standard project but some were challenged by lack of commitment and poor monitoring resulting from locals tasked for the undertaking,” highlighted Dr Venson-Moitoi. She further emphasised the need for acting responsibly to ensure that the quality of projects delivered served the purpose they were intended for.

“Let us commit towards the delivery of quality projects and reduce public criticisms over poor workmanship that affect the outcome, when qualified individuals were on the ground mainly to guard against such,” the minister pleaded.

The Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Dr Zhao Yanbo was grateful of the fact that the new Mmopane Primary School would help provide high quality of education facilities for the local students and create a comfortable learning environment.

He was hopeful that through constant monitoring by responsible officers and providing maximum support to the company, the project would be delivered on time.

He said for the past 43 years following the establishment of the diplomatic ties between Botswana and China, the two countries have been enjoying mutual beneficial cooperation in many areas.

Dr Zhao cited education and medical sectors, as areas that continued to benefit Batswana through Chinese scholarships that had since benefited over 170 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes studying in China.

Similar gestures he said benefited areas of Serowe and Maun in 2009 but highlighted that the current project was one of the biggest funded by the Chinese government.

He said the project had also benefited Botswana through employment opportunities of 72 individuals of which 59 were youths.

Giving project overview, the Kweneng District Council chairperson Mr Jeffrey Sibisibi said the project would help reduce overcrowding at the only Tau Manthe Primary School currently challenged by overcrowding. 

The project which comprise of an Administration Block, 22 Classrooms, a Library, Computer lab, six toilets with nine cubicles each, dining hall Science Mechanical lab, two security rooms, elevated water tanks, football pitch and two basket court, Bell Tower and a Boundary wall was scheduled for completion in February 2020.

Welcoming guests, Mmopane Kgosi Simon Manthe said the donation would contribute significantly to the development of education in the area .

Giving a vote of thanks, the area MP Mr Vincent Seretse said despite delays in the undertaking of the project, they were hopeful it would eventually take place.

He said the completion of the project would help create a conducive learning environment. ENDS