26 Mar 2019

Japanese government has financed the construction of Lorolwane reception classroom to the tune of P800 000, with an additional P100  000 funded by the council. 

The project, awarded to Doville (Pty) Ltd, is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on March 25, Japanese Ambassador Mr Kozo Takeda said the project was part of the Japanese government’s plan to build kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high school facilities through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security projects initiative.

He said the project would  augment Botswana government’s efforts of enhancing early childhood education. 

He said their response was prompted by the good relationship between Japan and Botswana, which he said would continue in other aspects, especially education.

“The government of Japan will continue extending assistance including field of education to this beautiful country, as it is important for us to assist Botswana, based on the friendship and cooperation shared between our two countries,” he said.

He called on all stakeholders to unite towards raising well rounded children for a better future.

For his part, Kanye Administration Authority (KAA) Sub-council chairperson Mr Tlhomamo Dibeela said of the 27 primary schools within the KAA, 21 were already equipped with reception classrooms as an effort of setting a good foundation in education.

He said Lorolwane reception class would go a long way in enhancing early childhood education, especially to the less privileged members of society who could not afford private schools.

He urged the contractor to complete the project on time and within budget, and desist from looking for loopholes to use against the council. 

He also appealed with the  contractor to engage local people on the project, especially where there were no specific skills needed.

Mr Tirelo Karema of Doville said they would do their best to deliver the project on time and within budget. 

He underscored the need for cooperation between the contractor and the community for effective delivery of the project. 

He also said they would heed the call to hire local people, noting however that not all would be absorbed by the project.

For his part, the Social and Community Development committee chairperson Mr Simon Ramaphoi applauded councillors for unanimously agreeing to take the project to Lorolwane. 

He said through the project, they were targeting rural area dwellers who did not have access to a lot of services.

He said the classroom was designed to include a sick bay, where learners could be attended to  by health professionals. 

He said councils were faced with challenges such as delayed and abandoned projects, and implored the contractor to deliver as expected. ends