04 Jun 2025

Etsha 1 Primary School is reportedly infested with bats, particularly classrooms and staff houses, retendering some not fit for purpose.

Briefing a Kgotla meeting addressed by Member of Parliament for Ngami, Mr Philemon Aaron on Tuesday, Etsha 1 Primary School Parents Teachers Association (PTA) member, Ms Kaone Mosheti said the school also had pipe leakages, shortage of classrooms and staff houses as well malfunctioning ablutions.

She said only one block of pupils’ ablutions were operational.

Ms Mosheti further said there was delay in renewal of temporary teachers’ contracts which negatively affected learning.

The school head, Ms Olebogeng Setsile said the school which was officially opened in 2002 had not undergone cyclic maintenance over years.

Ms Setsile appreciated a reception classroom that was under construction which she said would help accommodate the two groups of reception leaners which were 53 in numbers.

Ngami MP Mr Philemon Aaron who toured the primary school to appreciate the challenges faced said bats infestation was a serious challenge in the Okavango District that required a permanent solution.

Mr Aaron noted that most of the Etsha 1 Primary School facilities were in good condition except for the ceiling which were damaged due to bats infestation.

He said the hope was for the Okavango District Council (ODC) to give some of Etsha 1 Primary School challenges urgent attention although there were issues of budget constraints. ENDS