13 Apr 2023

Maintenance of Gobojango Junior Secondary School learners hostels, which was to cost P1 million is currently suspended due to pending litigation processes following procurement queries.

This was revealed by Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe in response to a parliamentary question on April 12.

Dr Letsholathebe said there were numerous challenges associated with maintenance of schools which ranged from procurement processes, funding, overpopulation and vandalism by learners.

“These issues tend to frustrate efforts to properly maintain schools. 

However, my ministry has seen some successes through distribution of funds directly to schools, as such we shall continue to empower school heads to undertake minor maintenance in their schools,” he said.

He added that a few schools had introduced CCTV cameras to better monitor school buildings and guard against theft and vandalism while many had also introduced shifting timetables to reduce the pressure on infrastructure, but shortage of classrooms remained.

He added that the ministry was also pursuing the Development Manager Model for more major maintenance in schools.

The minister further indicated that public schools required almost continuous maintenance including those in the Bobonong constituency.

However, he said some funds were disbursed to schools to carry out works and were completed including Mosetlha JSS, which was allocated P114 9398 for maintenance of cooking pots, electrical works and air conditioners.

He said Motlhasedi JSS was funded with P90 286 for water booster pumps and electrical repairs while Tsetsebjwe JSS was allocated P261 509 for electrical and plumbing works and P112 672 was disbursed for maintenance of potable water tank at Badale JSS.

Further, he said Gobojango JSS received P902 525 for electrical works and Matshekge JSS got P142 419 for hostel maintenance and a further P4 488 238 for refurbishment of burnt kitchen.

Bobirwa JSS was allocated P122 830  for electrical works and materials for building repairs and Bobonong JSS received P44 669  for separation of water meters and maintenance of cooking pots.

Bobonong MP, Mr Taolo Lucas had asked the minister to appraise Parliament on maintenance of schools in his constituency and also state the amount of money available for each school during the 2022/2023 financial year. 

Mr Lucas also asked the minister to state any challenges which had been experienced in the maintenance of schools. ENDS