08 Sep 2020

Councillors in the Central District Council (CDC) have been informed that the district is experiencing shortage of textbooks in secondary and primary schools.

CDC chairperson, Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe, announced this during a full council meeting in Serowe on September 7.

However, Mr Galeragwe said all was not lost because procurement of books was ongoing in some schools while others were awaiting delivery.

He said P14 million had been availed for procurement of textbooks in the 250 primary schools, adding that the amount was not enough to address the shortage, more so that the need had been exacerbated by COVID-19 protocols.

He indicated that the amount was largely used for replacement of lost and worn out textbooks and appealed to councillors to assist by engaging their constituents to facilitate the return of textbooks to schools.

Concerning adherence to COVID-19 protocols in schools, he said hand basins had been installed in all secondary and primary schools in the district, adding that there was need for additional hand wash basins in schools with higher enrolment. 

Mr Galeragwe said one other challenge was unavailability of warm water and soap dispensers for pupils.

He commended teachers and parents who took turns in availing warm water for the pupils. 

On maintenance and construction of toilets, he said they had spent P32.7 million out of a total budget of P65.2 million.  

He noted that this year came with challenges that destabilised running of schools and the entire education system, adding that schools had to battle with operating under the new normal.

“All our schools are currently conducting national mock examinations, to check learners’ readiness and preparedness for the final examinations due in October. Ends