23 Jun 2021

Structural modifications to convert some wards at Masunga Primary Hospital into a COVID-19 treatment centre has been completed. 

This was revealed by the North East District Council chairperson Ms Florah Mpetsane at the ongoing full council meeting where she stated that works had been completed in the general ward, maternity ward and out-patient department.

She said the hospital started admitting COVID-19 patients from around the district on May 5, adding that the process would be done in a phased manner as other developments and relocation of patients take place.

Ms Mpetsane said training of staff had been done which included sending two doctors and three nurses to Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital for two weeks and one-month attachment respectively. 

The chairperson indicated that equipment had been provided among them two ventilators, two monitors, a mobile X-ray machine and oxygen concentrators.

Furthermore, she said the hospital general ward had been fully converted into COVID-19 isolation to admit only positive cases.  Ms Mpetsane explained that patients suffering from other illnesses requiring admission would be referred to Nyangabgwe Hospital except for maternity patients.

Ms Mpetsane stated that the district had experienced a fluctuating number of COVID-19 cases in various villages with a cumulative total of 1 463 cases and nine deaths by May 31. 

She reported that 6 428 people had been vaccinated in the district for COVID-19 ever since the rollout.

On other issues, the chairperson expressed worry over people who continue to engage in recreational activities and social gatherings such as parties, baby showers, bridal showers, and weddings.

 She said police had observed a trend of sale of beverages in homesteads which increased homemade brews in some villages. 

To address the issue, the chairperson said, the police continued to conduct joint patrols with the Special Support Group and Botswana Defence Force along the borderline including a formation of compliance patrol and anti- breaking Task Force Teams within the community.

Councillor Mpetsane revealed that the upgrading of Tshesebe/Masunga Road and access roads to bituminous standard tender had been approved and awarded following delayes caused by endless contractual disputes. 

She said the tender had been awarded to Land Mark (PTY) LTD on May 27, adding that they were hopeful that the project would take off and be completed within the stipulated time, scope and budget.

On land allocation in the district, the chairperson indicated that Tati Land Board had made a significant effort and that for the current financial year the land board had planned to allocate 873 plots across the various villages in the district as approved by the Department of Surveys and Mapping. Ends