11 Dec 2013

The assistant minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ms Botlogile Tshireletso has told Parliament that her ministry through the Central District Council has planned to connect electricity to Matsitama and Makobo primary schools in March 2014.

Ms Tshireletso said the procurement process for wiring the two schools has begun and it is expected that the Invitation to Tender (ITT) will be published in the government gazette on December 20, 2013. She said the other procurement processes resulting in award of tenders is expected to be concluded by the end of February 2014.

The assistant minister said the installation of photovoltaic/ solar systems to Jamataka primary school has been planned for under the national programme for electrifying all government institutions. However she said the implementation dates have not yet been set as these will be determined by the availability of funds which are being sourced from the ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Ms Tshireletso said as they have initiated the procurement process for the electrification of the primary schools, she is unable to state the estimated cost because the procurement will be done through a competitive bidding process. She said for Makobo and Matsitama primary schools, BPC has been paid a total connection fees of P360 000 and P431 000respectively.

She said the quotation for the installation of solar power to Jamataka primary school is P550 000.
The MP for Tonota North Mr Fedelis Molao had asked her to state when the electricity reticulation and connection will be completed at Matsitama, Makobo and Jamataka primary schools and to state the cost involved for the completion of these projects. ENDS