08 Jun 2020

Government has exceeded the P2 billion budgetted for COVID-19 through the procurement of protective clothing and equipment.

This was said by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane during a Village Extension Team  meeting in Xhumo and Kedia recently.

He pointed out that the COVID-19 budget was not enough to cover recruitment of new teachers.

Mr Tsogwane, also Boteti West MP,  was responding to Boteti Sub-council deputy chair, Mr Batsweletse Kgagamedi who had stated that reduction of class sizes  in compliance with social distancing required an increase in resources, including teachers.

The vice president commended school heads for carrying out maintenance of schools without affecting government coffers.

Mr Tsogwane said the Boteti West schools he toured had met all the health protocols to service Standard Seven and Form Three learners.

He called on Batswana to be innovative and produce equipment that could be used to help in controlling the spread of COVID-19, citing a drone developed by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology.

He suggested the making of foot-operated basins saying they could help prevent the spread of the virus.

Mr Tsogwane implored Batswana to cooperate and comply with health authorities during the upcoming COVID-19 community testing.

The Vice President hailed social welfare officers for their selfless commitment towards providing services to Batswana.

Xhumo Village Extension Team chairperson, Mr Moses America said lack of transport and photocopiers were some of the challenges they faced. ENDS