08 Jun 2021

Construction of hospitality and tourism project piloted at Maun Senior Secondary School is complete and the facility is ready for use.

This was said by school head, Ms Lekala Legwaila  when briefing the minister of Basic Education, Mr Fidelis Molao who was touring the state-of-the-art facility aimed to offer hospitality and tourism studies. 

The facility comprises a six room mini-hotel and it was expected to be used by the first batch of learners second term this year but Ms Legwaila said the contractor was still on site doing final touches such as cleaning the area.

Procurement of furniture and equipment, she said had been done, adding that the facility was now ready for use.  

The school head reported that learners were partially using existing laboratories while awaiting the contractor to finish cleaning.

Minister Mr Molao appreciated the project, stating that it would add value to the tourism industry. 

He commended all parties engaged in the project and also acknowledged that it was implemented within budget save for slight amount of less than P200 000.

He appreciated that the contractor worked under pressure as learners were now using alternative areas for practicals. 

Mr Molao also pointed out that the facility was open for partnership with private sector.

Tourism industry players were called to come on board as the ministry intends to work hand in hand with them to benefit from their immense knowledge.

The minister explained that the project was a pilot project earmarked for two senior schools being Maun and Moeng College which would offer agriculture studies.

He said the project was part of the multiple pathways programme which focused on strengthening skills development and improving quality, relevance, equity and access to education.

‘We are trying to transform the education sector to include production as learners were given theory and now we want them to gain actual experience and skills so that they can start their own businesses,” he added.

Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile concurred that the facility would pick the standard of tourism in the Ngamiland region. 

The facility, he said would benefit businesses especially the tourism industry.

He also commended the contractor engaged for delivering quality facility. 

While the government continued to engage citizen contractors in development, he said some disappointed as they failed to deliver on time.

Mr Kekgonegile called for a legislation which would punish contractors failing to execute projects within time and budget. 

He appreciated that the government had been lenient on local contractors considering local empowerment, adding that time had come to take proper action. Ends