19 Sep 2018

Some projects which were carried under the Economic Stimulus Programme were delayed due various reasons, says director of technical services in the Ministry of Basic Education.

Mr David Malejane said some of the reasons include delays in appointing sub-contractors and late delivery of materials.

The projects, which include the maintenance and expansion of some Junior Secondary Schools in Maun, were started in 2016 and were expected to be handed over last year.

Mr Malejane said the ministry took a decision to expand infrastructure in several schools across the country to address increases in enrollment.   

He, however, noted that some contractors doubled their efforts with the goal to deliver on agreed obligations, adding that they were working on the final stages and hoped that the projects would be handed over before the end of the year.

On other issues, the director said additional works on ongoing projects could not be accommodated due to financial constraints.

 Tsodilo Junior Secondary School head, Mr Phuluweni Thapo appreciated the completion of the P75 million expansion project in his school, and requested the department to address issues such as the connection of old staff houses to the new water reticulation system, and to refurbish old facilities in the school to ensure uniformity with the new ones.

He revealed that officers accommodated in old houses experienced shortage of water and said connection to the new system could address the probleem.

However, Mr Malejane explained that the budget was allocated to a specific scope and could not allow any additional works. He advised the school management to request for additional funding to cater for the works.

He said although it was a long process, he encouraged the school management  to formalise their request so that it could be taken into consideration.

The director also reminded the school management to guard against vandalism of the facilities as it would take another five years to provide maintenance for their school.

The expansion works carried at the school included the extension of the administration block, sewer reticulation, water treatment plant, poultry house, agriculture store, multi-purpose block, double classroom blocks, staff flats, and sports courts amongst others.  ENDS