21 Feb 2024

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is aware that there is a shortage of furniture in primary schools in Serowe District with an average availability of 60 per cent.

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Mabuse Pule said P855 000 was approved for procurement of school furniture this financial year.

He highlighted that a tender was awarded in January 2024 for procurement of 6 000 pupil chairs, 360 small pupils’ desks, 40 reception class tables and nine oval conference room tables. He added that the council was awaiting delivery of the same by the end of February 2024.

Funds permitting, he said his ministry would continue to procure school furniture in the coming financial year.

Mr Pule also noted that there was  a provision under the handyman initiative and the maintenance of school furniture vote to repair used furniture.

He said the allegation that pupils were asked to bring chairs from home was not true, adding that the steel chairs that were previously used in schools were available for use by pupils in instances where there was shortage of chairs.

Member of Parliament for Serowe West, Mr Onalepelo Kedikilwe had asked the minister if he was aware that primary schools in Serowe District Council were experiencing serious shortage of school furniture, and that pupils were asked to bring chairs from home as well as what was being done to address the situation. ENDS