19 Sep 2024

The construction of two new primary schools at Lekgwapheng and Legonono wards in Molepolole is a significant milestone in the provision of infrastructure for the primary education sector.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Molepolole yesterday, the Minister of Transport and Public Works Mr Eric Molale said the development was a symbolic move in the legacy of government which had served Batswana through dedication and commitment for generations.

He said “the current primary schools in Molepolole and surrounding villages are insufficient in terms of infrastructure. It is, therefore, against such considerations that the Second Transitional National Development Plan seeks to ensure that the education system is supported by adequate resources for learning.”

Minister Molale further said the two new schools would be delivered through the Development Manager Model, a new approach adopted by government to deliver infrastructure projects.

He added that in the past, infrastructure delivery was a challenge to government which had resulted in cost overruns, late delivery and poor workmanship, all which accounted for early project failures.

The minister said DEVCOM from South Africa had been appointed as a Development Manager to oversee the design and construction of the new primary schools, adding that under the arrangement they take risks for the project from inception to delivery.

He took leave of the reclaim and reset agenda which brought a lot of changes in the government machinery to speed service delivery.

The minister said mindset change remained integral in the public and private sector so that service delivery was at the highest whenever projects of this magnitude were undertaken.

Mr Molale said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi wanted Botswana to be a construction site and this was being achieved as many infrastructure projects have been launched.

He said DEVCOM Botswana had been given 13 projects worth P3 billion among them the two primary schools in Molepolole, Mogoditshane RAC offices, Molepolole internal roads construction and 28km bypass road, Letlhakeng Landboard Offices, Letlhakeng-Kaudwane Road and Forestry offices in Molepolole.

Minister Molale said each new primary school will cost P120 million and asked the contractors to deliver a quality product, completed on time and within budget.

When giving project overview, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele said his ministry saw the need to construct the schools due to the growing population.

He said this was meant to reduce congestion in other schools and also reduce the number of students per class.

The assistant minister said they would construct 22 schools across the country.

For his part, the Director of DEVCOM Botswana Mr Brad Winstanley said they were happy to have been given an opportunity to oversee the construction of the schools.

He said the project consists of 24 classes, 24 staff houses, a library, a computer lab, and an administration block together with other amenities needed in the school environment.

Mr Winstanley said they brought with them a wealth of experience and skills which would ultimately lead to skills transfer as they would engage local contractors to undertake the work.

He said the project would be completed by end of 2025 and the school would be operational in 2026.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Kgari Sechele III said he was thankful that the projects would help address shortage of classes in Molepolole and also create employment opportunities for locals.

When giving vote of thanks, Minister for State President and former Member of Parliament for Molepolole South Mr Kabo Morwaeng said construction of the new schools was a continuation of a series of planned developments in Botswana.

He said Molepolole would have a good share of such developments including construction of the museum, 28km bypass road, two police stations and internal roads which are soon to kick start.

The village currently has 26 primary schools. ends