02 Jun 2019

The city of Francistown has identified Nepal Medical College Journal (NMCJ) International as a partner to develop old Tatitown Primary School.

The school was closed in 2004 and relocated from Bluetown to Gerald Estate in the same year.

It was closed on account of safety reasons because it was located at the confluence of two major rivers.

Pupils were also prone to varied crimes at a tender age due to the location of the school.

Tatitown councillor, Mr Gaethusi Ramolotsana made the announcement during a kgotla meeting addressed by Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane recently.

Councillor Ramolotsana explained that the partnership was expected to take 25 years and the organisation would after developing and refurbishing the school, provide education from primary to secondary as well as tourism related subjects.

He said this partnership would create employment for the people of Francistown whilst at the same time assist the city council in generating funds because the company would pay P35 000 per month to the council as rentals.

Cllr Ramolotsana explained that the main challenge facing the school had been vandalism and dilapidation of physical structures due to non-use.

Meanwhile, MP Moswaane commended the outgoing Francistown youth coordinator, Ms Minkie Bokole for carrying out her duties diligently.

He said Ms Bokole demonstrated hard work and wished her well in her career of empowering the youth.

On other issues, Mr Moswaane encouraged residents to test for non-communicable diseases and HIV.

He said government continued to invest heavily on the health sector as evidenced by the 2019/2020 budget, but Batswana continued to die out of curable diseases.

He also appealed to ward development committees to establish health committees in their respective areas so that they could be assisted on health related issues.

MP Moswaane stated that government continued to allocate the education sector a huge budget because education was important in the development of the country.

“Education is free and compulsory in Botswana as compared to other countries where people pay for their children’s education from primary, secondary and tertiary,” he added.

However, the legislator complained that what was most worrisome was that students were not taking their education seriously and demanded what the government could not afford.

Mr Moswaane said government had to reduce the students allowance for tertiary institutions from P1 900 to P1 400 because of the economic recession.

He said the reduced amount also catered for other students to benefit from the government scholarship, adding that Batswana should play their parental role in educating their children.

The MP also appealed to the youth to have a burning desire and confidence when applying for Youth Development Fund (YDF).

He asked them to look presentable and that they should not lose temper because they stand a risk of losing the opportunity of getting the fund.

The legislator also briefed the residents about some of the envisaged projects in the constituency such as construction of a dual carriage that connects Gerald Estate to Aerodrome.

He said a multi-purpose hall would also be constructed to generate funds for Bluetown, Tatitown and Botsalano WDCs.

For her part, Ms Bokole said since its inception, the YDF had funded 407 projects in Francistown to the tune of over P38 million, with 97 projects in the Francistown West constituency.

Ms Bokole indicated that 1 700 youth were on the waiting list under the Tirelo Setshaba internship programme and appealed to more youth to continue registering for the programme. ENDS