08 Mar 2022

Construction of the kitchen at Goldmine Junior Secondary School in Francistown is complete, Parliament has heard.

Responding to a question on March 7, basic education assistant minister, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja said however the mechanical works comprising fittings and fixtures including items such as the cooker extraction hood, cooking pots and air conditioners, were not installed and the sub-contractor for the works had been terminated.

Currently, Ms Makwinja said, the ministry was preparing tender documents for the completion of the outstanding mechanical works which were expected to commence on site in June.

She added that construction of additional classroom space included provision of two prefabricated classrooms and the tender was at the financial evaluation stage.

“The delay in this tender was caused by queries raised by bidders which were finally dismissed by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) on March 1. 

A tender for further expansion of Goldmine JSS is undergoing adjudication and award,” she said. She indicated that the contract would cover other aspects of the school expansion including administration extension, multipurpose block, six new classrooms, art laboratory, student ablution, guidance and counselling facility, 12 staff housing units, and some external works and is expected to commence within the 2022/23 financial year.

On the other hand, the assistant minister explained that the kitchen at Goldmine JSS was constructed as part of the contract for the expansion of Selolwe Junior Secondary School and Tsabong Building Constructors Pty Ltd was contracted for the works.

She also indicated that pre-fab classrooms were at the financial evaluation stage, adding the delay was caused by queries raised by bidders which were dismissed by PPADB on February 24.

“In addition, there is an expansion project at Goldmine JSS which is currently at adjudication and award,” she said.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, had wanted an update on progress on the kitchen project and construction of classrooms blocks at Goldmine JSS. Ends