15 Sep 2019

North West District Council (NWDC) plans to take action against non-compliant day care centres soon.

The counil’s bye law official, Mr Phemelo Matome, said this at an NWDC engagement meeting with day care  centre operators recently.

He said 35 day care centres in Maun had been operating with a conditional license issued in March this year.

He informed operators that the NWDC would extend the conditional license from the initial three months to 12 months effective March when issued provided they complied with conditions laid down by the Maun Administration Authority.

He, therefore, said those who had not complied would be fined or their licenses revoked.

Mr Matome said the NWDC opted to sensitise operators on bye-laws before action was taken against non-compliant centres.

On one hand, he said eight non-compliant operators whose licenses were revoked would be given a chance to dialogue with the council authorities 

Again, he said two day care centres, which were operating without licenses were closed.

Furthermore, he encouraged operators to adhere to regulations by ensuring acceptable structures and facilities compatible with children such as toilets, playground, furniture, storage and washing facilities as well as suitable curriculum standards set by the Ministry of Basic Education.

Nevertheless, Mr Matome said the council would improve efficiency in its licensing and ensure operators were given 12 months standard licenses.

He further implored operators to form an association that would aid them to speak in one voice and challenge the status quo.

Ms Filinah Mlambo from Delta Waters International School said there was need for bye-law to be aligned to government policies.

Ms Mlambo said government did not admit children below six years for standard one and that forced parents to leave them at day care centres while the regulation on the other hand did not allow children beyond six years at pre-schools without formal permission.

Another day care centre operator, Mr Onneile Thamuku said operators were disadvantaged because government departments were not in unison in their requirements.

And, NWDC home economist, Mr Modise Sekgwake urged operators to move swiftly to form an association.

Mr Sekgwake said it was high time operators and the council, as stakeholders, addressed pertinent issues such as curriculum development instead of structures. ends