10 Apr 2022

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has set aside P140 million under Economic and Recovery Transformation Plan (ERTP) for maintenance of primary schools,

Answering a question in Parliament recently, Local Government and Rural Development assistant minister, Mr Mabuse Pule said the scope of work for maintenance would also cover electrical and mechanical assets as well as replacement of kitchen pots.

Mr Pule added that the ministry would also continue to up-skill mechanical technicians in local authorities to enhance their capacity to service and maintain the pots.

“I am aware that some electric ignited boiling pots (oil jacketed) in most local authorities have maintenance and service challenges mostly attributed to their age and nature of their operation, which render them prone to frequent breakdowns and periodically requiring maintenance and servicing,” he said.

He indicated that out of a total of 1 335 electric pots across all local authorities, 828 were working and 507 were not.

He added that North West had 136 pots, out of which 116 were working and 20 were not.

“My ministry has provided industrial gas stoves in all the primary schools in all districts, as an alternative to remedy the situation,” he said.

He further indicated that the estimated cost of replacement of the electric pot (new) ranged between P68 000 and P70 000 depending on geographical location.

Again, he said the average estimated cost of maintenance ranges between P16 000 and P18 000. Parts mostly replaced is oil (40 litres), regulator nobs, igniters, Eurosit (main component) and electrical wiring.

MPs also heard that the average estimated cost of industrial stove (four-burner) was P3 200 and the associated 48Kg gas cylinder was P1 200, thus a total of P4 4000.

Okavango MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga, had asked the minister if he was aware that majority of electric pots in primary schools were unserviceable.

Mr Kapinga also wanted to know the plans the ministry had to address the situation so to make catering for learners more manageable. ENDS