02 Jun 2020

The Ministry of Basic Education has embarked on a three-phased countrywide programme to address the problem of  overcrowding in schools. 

Handing over a P7.2 million six classrooms and one laboratory project at Kumakwane Junior Secondary School on Monday, Minister Fidelis Molao said the programme entailed the construction of classrooms and science laboratories to increase learning space in schools.

Under phase one of the programme, which started in August last year, 102 classrooms and 10 science laboratories would be built in Kweneng, Central, Ghanzi, North West and Chobe districts, he said 

Minister Molao said under Phase two of the project, which commenced in January, encompassed construction of 90 classrooms and 43 science laboratories in Southern, Kgalagadi, Central and Chobe districts. 

In the last phase, expected to commence next month, 400 classrooms were planned for construction in Southern, Kweneng, South East, Central, North East, North West, Chobe and Kgatleng districts, he said.

Minister Molao revealed that classrooms for three schools, Mookane Junior School in the Central District, Ikageng Junior School in Metsimotlhabe and Kumakwane Junior School had already been completed under phase one. 

He said the classrooms came at an opportune time when schools were preparing for yesterday’s reopening following their closure  in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Mr Molao said infrastructure has had to be maintained to enhance adherence to social distancing, washing of hands and sanitising. 

Acting regional education director, Mr Tshwarelo Hosia said schools in the Kweneng region were COVID-19 compliant and ready for resumption of teaching and learning. 

He further said Kweneng region had positioned itself to be part of the solution to problems facing the ministry.

Mr Hosia called for more delegation of powers and functions to regions as they could play a more meaningful role in addressing most of the challenges in schools.

Thamaga-Kumakwane MP Mr Palelo Motaosane thanked the ministry for expanding Kumakwane Junior School.

In addition,  he said he was impressed with the workmanship of the project contractor, TKM Engineering. 

Mr Motaosane said there was need for local companies which show capability to be supported. Ends