In Tuesday's parliamentary questions and answers
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 27, 2016 11:52
Over P300,000 spent on litigation
Question: Haskins Nkaigwa- MP (GABORONE NORTH)
Asked the Minister of Agriculture to state the total number of litigation cases and labour disputes involving the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) at the High Court, Industrial Court and Labour Offices since 2010 and the amount of money spent on cases in the same period.
Response: Total number of litigation cases and labour disputes involving BUAN at various institutions are nine cases at the High Court of which three are still pending, three settled out of court and the remaining three have been completed by court in favour of BUAN.
Two cases are pending at Industrial Court while at Labour Office since 2012 to date 10 cases were processed through mediation. Of these only one matter is still pending before the mediator.
The total amount spent on these litigation cases is P310,935.20.
Upgrading of Motaung Junior toilets underway
Question: Itumeleng Moipisi, MP (Kgalagadi North)
Asked the Minister of Education and Skills Development if she is aware that Motaung Junior Secondary School in Kang does not have a proper kitchen and the students’ toilets are continuously overflowing posing a health hazard.
Response: I am aware that there is no purpose built kitchen at Motaung Junior Secondary School.
I am also aware that the students’ toilets tend to overflow and are not hygienic. The upgrading of toilets is included in the current ongoing maintenance at the school and the problem should be resolved by November 2016. Whilst we agree that the kitchen in Motaung is below standard, my Ministry has undertaken to repair the electric and gas cooking pots to assist the school. Due to financial constraints we do not currently have plans to construct any new kitchen in the school. “
Temporary teachers have teaching qualifications
Question: Polson Majaga, MP (Nata/Gweta)
Asked the Minister of Education and Skills Development if he is aware that since the year 2000 teachers at some of the primary schools in the Nata/Gweta Constituency are hired on contract and temporary basis, so when will qualified teachers be posted to these schools.
Response: I am aware that since the year 2000 teachers at some of the primary schools in the Nata/Gweta constituency were hired on contract and temporary basis.
These contract and temporary teachers have been recruited to cover for classes in the absence of the incumbent due to a number of reasons including short and long term study leave, unpaid leave, sick leave and maternity leave.
In some instances temporary teachers were engaged where schools had expanded and the process of creating new posts was still ongoing. It has to be emphasised that all contract and temporary teachers who have been employed have a teaching qualification.
No plans to increase manpower in the public sector
Question:Joseph Molefe, MP (Mahalapye West)
Asked the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration if he is aware that the Department of Information and Broadcasting Services personnel are understaffed at Mahalapye office to cover the sub-region if so when will TV/Radio Reporters be increased at the Mahalapye office, are there plans to increase the number of vehicles to cover the sub-region and when will a TV crew be posted to this office.
Response: The staff complement in Mahalapye is seven and all positions are filled. The reporters there feed both Radio Botswana and the Daily News. The office is a satellite branch of Information and Broadcasting meant to complement services offered to the Mahalapye Sub District. There are no plans to increase manpower growth in the Public Service and this includes “TV and Radio Reporters in Mahalapye.