No ESP, NDP11 for dilapidated schools
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday November 15, 2017 19:38
Goya was responding to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Boteti East, Setlhomo Lelatisitswe, who wanted to know how Motsumi Junior Secondary School students coped in bad weather given that for the past two years, classrooms in the school did not have doors, and over 50% of the classrooms did not have windows.
This is despite the fact that he acknowledged that the ministry was aware that the school buildings were dilapidated and in need of major maintenance, mechanical and electrical works.
“I am aware that it is difficult for students to cope, especially when there is bad weather. There are many similar schools to Motsumi in the country, like Ramokgonami and Dukwi. The main challenge is vandalism of property, sometimes immediately after its maintenance. Honourable members of this house are urged to assist in this area by talking to their constituents,” he said.
Goya said his ministry has scoped the works and developed tender documents for the maintenance to be carried out.
He said minor maintenance would be carried out at the school before end of the current financial year.
However, the MP pleaded with the ministry to join hands with councils to ensure that schools are maintained.
“We can’t go on with this kind of situation, especially when we want our pupils to pass. The school and parents should find ways of handling the issues of vandalism in schools. But we cannot punish all pupils for offences that might had been done by others, may be years back,” he said.