10 Jun 2019

Kalpa-Taru Power Transmission Company has donated 200 tree species to Legotlhwane Primary School in the Ngamiland District to promote environmental conservation.

The move is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility drive, which saw pupils drilled on issues concerning environmental conservation.

The company planted trees around the school and gave some to pupils and staff to plant at their homesteads.  Kalpa-Taru Power Transmission Company is among the largest players firmly entrenched in global power transmission and infrastructure. 

It has a sub-station at Toteng and is engaged by Botswana Power Corporation to develop a transmission line that passes through Toteng to Shakawe in the Ngamiland region.

The development of a transmission grid is expected to link power sources to various load centres in the district.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the trees to the school management, the company’s safety, health and environment deputy manager, Mr Satheesan Sajilal highlighted the economic benefits of planting trees and underscored the need to engage the public on environmental issues.

Mr Sajilal appreciated the country’s efforts in addressing waste management and pollution, adding that ‘Botswana is advanced compared to other countries’.

He said burning litter was controlled, thanks to initiatives by government such as engaging law enforcement officers and waste management teams known as the green scorpions.

Mr Sajilal also sensitised pupils on the importance of conserving water.

He appreciated that the Ngamiland District was faced with serious water shortage and advised them to use water sparingly.

Legotlhwane senior teacher, Mr Ronald Marenga appreciated the company’s efforts and reiterated the importance of teaching pupils about the environment. 

Trees, he said, were the lungs of the planet, breathed in carbon dioxide and breathed out oxygen. 

They also provide shelter for birds and other wildlife, hence it is important to keep nature clean and pollution free. 

Legotlhwane is a tented school with 166 pupils and 17 staff members, 10 being teachers.

The school is reportedly doing well academically except for last year, when it obtained a pass level below 50 per cent. ENDS