China, Botswana Partnership Strengthens, Flourishes
Siyabonga Gaetshajwe | Monday April 1, 2019 14:42
In five months’ time the construction of a primary school courtesy of China will commence in Kazungula village.
On Wednesday Botswana and China signed an implementation agreement on the construction of the school scheduled to commence in September.
The two countries enjoy a strong and cordial bond of friendship, characterised by mutual respect and regular consultation on various issues of common interest.
The agreement marks the forth of its kind since 2009 after similar projects in Serowe, Maun and Mmopane, which have been transformational in nature.
During the opening address, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Boipolelo Khumomatlhare said the countries’ ties have manifested themselves in the form of sustained cooperation in various areas of human endeavor, including education and rural development.
Khumomatlhare said the relationship has laid a strong foundation for even deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.
“Botswana is home to a large number of the Chinese community, some of whom have become an integral part of our society. For this, we will always remain greatly indebted to you (China) for your country’s invaluable contribution towards our socio-economic development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development,” Khumomatlhare said.
“The signing of this implementation agreement of the construction of the school, the forth of its kind since a decade ago is testament to our commitment to the Botswana-China cooperation, which presents significant development opportunities,” Khumomatlhare said, adding that as a nation, developing skills remains a priority.
“The focus is now on courses, which can generate employment in order to meet the growing demand and develop our local communities to promote rural development. We appreciate this collaborative effort, especially that it has targeted school children,” he said.
He said it is the country’s hope that developing the right skills will eventually provide an opportunity for employment of the country’s greatest assets being the population itself, especially the youth. He said they do so because the youth is the treasure of the nation, as it represents the future.
Deputy director general of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana Ai Yingfang promised to deploy experts who will be participating in the improvement of the childhood education system since it is crucial for the development of children in the fast-paced technology-influenced arena.
She added that the project implemented is ready to meet the requirements of a primary school and also that it presents a great chance for skill-sharing and rural development.