Africa-Press – Botswana. Kweneng District Leadership has been informed that following a Cabinet meeting on July 10, a decision has been made that children in conflict with the law and currently in prisons, must forthwith be relocated to Ikago Rehabilitation Centre.
Addressing a leadership forum at Molepolole kgotla on Wednesday, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Mamikie Kamanakao said they had been given two months to relocate the children.
“The facility was undergoing maintenance to make it ideal for rehabilitating children in conflict with the law,” she said. Ms Kamanakao said the ministry found it in order to engage the district leadership, the community and all concerned stakeholders for the relocation process to be a smooth sail.
She said 28 child prisoners would be relocated to Ikago’s four-block facility with capacity to accommodate 100 children. Though its current status can house 72 children, it accommodated only four children. Ms Kamanakao said the ministry would work with department of correctional services to guide on care and support rendered to the children.
She said the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs would equally play a critical role in running the facility. “We are working with them since family services is still under their ministry, the support and care of children at Ikago will involve parents and the community,” Ms Kamanakao said.
She said the facility would offer children vocational skills in carpentry, brick laying, welding and mechanics, adding that horticulture would also be introduced at Ikago.
She said all the necessities and security would be provided to alleviate safety fears from the children and the community. “Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force and the Drug Enforcement Agency would be engaged to guide on security to be provided at Ikago,” she said.
Ms Kamanakao said maintenance works and other developments at Ikago would be done on phases and following due diligence to sure that the facility was conducive and ideal for rehabilitating child offenders.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Kgari III appreciated the decision to engage and update Kweneng leadership on the move taken by government to relocate children in conflict with the law to Ikago.
“Any change or development done at Ikago Rehabilitation Centre will directly affect us, therefore it is vital to engage us to get any suggestions, grievances and guidance. We must be well informed and equally be in a position to inform our people,” said Kgosi Kgari III.
Councillor Motlhatlhobi Leselamotse of Lephaleng Ward, where Ikago is located informed the gathering that though the facility was for rehabilitation, there was a long standing concerns from the community regarding their safety and that of the children at the facility.
He said the community was in conflict with the facility as the children were engaged in unruly acts in the community.
Mr Leselamotse said children at Ikago were alleged to be engaged in some criminal acts and other wrongdoing in the village. As such, he appealed for strong security at the centre as well as restricted movement.
Deputy council chairperson, Mr Kenna Odirile said it was important for all role players to understand their mandate and be fully engaged in the running of Ikago.
Mr Odirile said it was unfortunate that such projects would eventually be the sole responsibility of council, therefore making it difficult to provide for the children and offer them desired rehabilitation.
“I am happy that a proper rehabilitation plan will be in place. Since the facility is in our district, we will own the children, engage them fully as the community of Mokwena,” he said.
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