15 Jan 2019

Residents of Marobela in Shashe West constituency have asked government to clarify changes at a brigade in the village.

Briefing the area legislator, Mr Fidelis Molao, in a kgotla meeting on January 14, Kgosi Rapelang Khuwe of Marobela said when government decided to rationalise brigades, they were consulted, but when implementing the current changes, the community was not consulted.

Kgosi Khuwe said the latest update from their brigade was that this year’s intake would increase from 200 to 700 students.

This, he said, was worrisome because the institution was designed to accommodate 200 students only, leaving them wondering where such a huge number would be accommodated.
 

He further noted that even in such situations, there was no communication with the village leadership so that they could consult with residents in coming up with ways to accommodate students.

Kgosi Khuwe said they were informed that classes would commence in August and in the meantime, he alleged, students were still on boot camps.

In addition, he said courses such as dress making and mechanics, which were brought to Marobela brigade from Marapong and Tutume brigades had since been returned to those brigades.

He said some students, who were doing such courses and staying in the village, had to relocate, which comes with confusion and costs to the parents.

On other issues, village development committee chairperson, Mr Batani Timuno requested government to look into building sports complexes across constituencies in order to enhance sport growth and talent search.

And, Mr Timuno expressed concern that Ntimbale pump station project was not progressing well.

Commenting on the updates, Mr Molao said the decision to increase intake at brigades was aimed at giving more students an opportunity to do craft work.

He appealed to the community of Marobela to accommodate the students, noting that renting houses would help homeowners to earn income.

Mr Molao said he would follow up with relevant ministry to get clarity, adding that the  two-year Ntimbale project was scheduled to start in April. Ends