17 Sep 2019

 The increase in the allowance of donkey cart waste collectors from P750 to P1 100 per month has improved waste management in the North East District (NED).

Addressing a full council meeting this week, the NED chairperson, Ms Florence Mpetsane said the number of waste collectors engaged has also increased to 47 people per month. 

She explained that the donkey cart initiative, which was introduced in 2010, was aimed at improving waste management in the district. 

However, the chairperson explained that the district was still faced with the challenge of illegal dumping of waste, especially rubble in the periphery of large villages.

She urged those responsible to refrain from the practise in order to maintain the district’s cleanliness as well as to avoid stern measures being taken against them.

She also talked about the approaching ploughing season and advised Batswana to make the necessary preparations in conjunction with relevant departments.

Ms Mpetsane explained that farmers would be assisted through ISPAAD to ensure food security in the district.

Regarding academic performance of schools in the district, she explained that all 43 primary schools had done well since 2012 to 2017. She noted that they scooped position one nationally, but that there was a slight decrease of 0.2 per cent in 2018 and that the district got position two after the South East District.

Ms Mpetsane said the schools performed well due to commitment from schools management and support from the Masunga education office staff and parents.

As for junior secondary schools, she explained that the district performed well from 2014 although the pass rate had been fluctuating between 48.98 per cent and 50.61.

She said efforts were being made through inspections and support visits to improve performance,  adding that Masunga Senior Secondary School has also improved to attain position three in the last final examinations.

Ms Mpetsane also briefed councillors on school donations, saying they came in the form of money, food, computers, note books, prizes and medals from individuals, football clubs, parent’s/teachers associations, business community and teachers’ unions.

She explained that Mabudzane, Letsholathebe, Gulubane, Kalakamati, Pole, Masunga, Nlapkhwane, Moroka, Mosojane, Tshesebe, Gulubane and Senyawe primary schools received donations in the form of computers, printers and photocopying machines.

Ms Mpetsane said a hostel for pupils living with disability was constructed at Moroka Primary School through donations from individuals and some companies in the district. ENDS