05 Aug 2026

The Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang, has hailed the completion of the Okavango Junior Secondary School expansion project in Gumare, which was delivered on time and within budget.

The project involved expanding the hostel and ablution facilities, constructing 96-bed dormitories for both boys and girls, and building two ablution blocks. 

The project was executed under the Development Manager (DM) model by Bigen SPV and Development Manager (DM5) at a total cost of P64,956,402.77.

Speaking during a tour of the project on Monday, Assistant Minister Atamelang said the project is a testament to the government’s commitment to education. 

Like many schools in the district, Okavango JSS had previously faced challenges due to dilapidated structures in its boarding and ablution facilities. 

The school has a total enrollment of 1 347 students, 283 of whom are boarders (156 girls and 127 boys).

For his part, the Bigen SPV, Development Manager, Mr Jubilee Mokgosi, confirmed that the school expansion project was completed on time and within budget.

“The Okavango District Council has acknowledged that the project is complete and awarded us an occupation certificate on Friday. What is left now is the official handing over,” he said.

He noted that the 15-month project, which commenced in March 2025, experienced very few challenges aside from occasional heavy rainfall.

In his remarks, Okavango District Council Chairperson, Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald expressed delight regarding the new hostels and furniture, stating that they would motivate students in their learning. However, Mr Ronald urged the school leadership and stakeholders to caution students against the negative impacts of vandalism, noting that destroying school property ultimately hurts the students themselves.

Gumare Kgosi Moitshepi Molelwa highlighted the historical significance of the school, noting it was originally built through self-reliance by community members from across the Okavango district, who each contributed a head of cattle. ENDS