Baitlotli JSS teachers decry bat infestation, dilapidated housing

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday February 6, 2024 06:00

 

It has been years since the teachers’ quarters at the school were maintained, resulting in the current situation where teachers occupy houses with falling ceilings, broken windows, rusty kitchen units, and cracked floor tiles, The Monitor learnt recently.

The houses also have a bat infestation. Teachers have since revealed that they have long pleaded with the school management to maintain their houses, a request that has been pending for years. They told this publication that the bat droppings, which give off a foul odour, have become a nightmare for teachers and their families, as they fear for their health living in a stinky environment.

They fear their health is at risk due to potential infections, especially respiratory diseases, because of this awful smell. “We are troubled by bats; their droppings smell awful, posing a serious health risk. Our houses are dirty because of these droppings. Mantlo a rona a nkga ke bo mmamanthwane (These houses stink because of the bats). "Together with our kids, we are not safe at all. Our health is at risk.

Someone should come to our rescue; we have long pleaded with the school management to maintain our houses, and our pleas appear to be falling on deaf ears,” said a teacher who preferred anonymity. The teacher further revealed having once had a plan to get rid of the bats but could not do so as they are amongst the list of protected species in Botswana and, hence could not be killed. “Apparently, there is a way in which they are supposed to be trailed, and we have tried, yet they keep returning to their hiding places inside ceilings. We are pleading for help from anyone who can help because our school management has failed us.

This situation poses a serious health hazard to us and our families. Just like other civil servants, we deserve proper accommodation. There is no way teachers can produce good results living in this condition. We are pleading for help,” interjected another teacher. The teacher further revealed residing in houses with peeling-off paint, falling ceilings, damaged and rusty kitchen units, and cracked floors, with almost the whole house left without tiles.

A week ago, The Monitor sent a questionnaire to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to enquire if the ministry and school management were aware of concerns raised by teachers regarding the state of their accommodation. The ministry is yet to respond. Amongst other questions, this publication asked: does the school ever take into consideration that the deplorable conditions are a serious health hazard to teachers and their families?