02 Nov 2023

Residents of Matsaudi in the North West District have called for the construction of a junior secondary school in Shorobe to reduce the distance travelled by learners to access education.

They said learners from Khwai, Mababe, Sankoyo, Shorobe and Matsaudi were admitted on boarding basis at Makalamabedi Junior Secondary School in Boteti District which was 250km from Khwai.

They aired their views during a kgotla meeting addressed by Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile.

The residents said the long distance travelled to school had a negative impact on the learners such as poor attendance, high school dropout rate and poor academic performance.

They argued that Shorobe was a strategically located area for the new school.

Ms Bonyaditswe Keabetswe said their children were excelling at primary school, but their performance was not satisfactory since they were relocated to Makalamabedi Junior Secondary School.

She said parents could not play a role in their children’s education because of the distance barrier.

She also said the environment at Makalamabedi was not conducive for learning, saying the state of the hostels left a lot to be desired.

Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Maithamako Gobusamang concurred that they needed a junior ssecondary chool in the area to reduce the distance travelled by learners.

On other issues, Mr Gobusamang complained about the Maun Sub-land Board, saying it had double allocated plots, which had caused conflicts among villagers.

He urged the MP to intervene in the matter.  He also called for a bridge to ease movement in areas adjacent to the Okavango Delta.

Mr Gobusamang also decried the lack of certificates for VDC plots.

For his part, Mr Kekgonegile agreed that there was need for a junior secondary school in Shorobe.

Mr Kekgonegile said efforts to ensure responsible authorities took care of the school were futile  and that he hoped the school would be included in the National Development Plan 12.

He also said the bridge was needed, expressing  hope that it would be included in the District Development Plan.

Tawana Land Board public relations officer, Mr Ndiye Joel apologised to residents for the double allocation mistake and promised that the board would address the issue. ENDS