Africa-Press – Botswana. The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is in the process of implementing interim measures to address issues of overpopulation in schools and ensure learning continuity.
Responding to a parliamentary question from MP for Shashe West, Mr Jeremiah Frenzel, on Wednesday, Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said to manage the influx of learners, the ministry had introduced shifting classes in schools.
Mr Motshegwa indicated that at Shashe Mooke Primary, shifting was currently in effect for Standards 2 and 3, while Borolong Primary had implemented the same for Standards 2 and 4.
Meanwhile, he said Chadibe North Primary had avoided shifting so far by repurposing library spaces and other permanent structures to house excess learners.
He informed Parliament that the planned construction of new primary schools in the villages was initially envisaged to utilise the Development Manager (DM) model.
“This construction has since been temporarily suspended following a decision to undertake a comprehensive review of the DM model. The definitive way forward will be formally communicated to all stakeholders following the completion of the DM model revocation and the recommendation of a new procurement method,” he added.
Shashe West legislator had asked the minister if he is aware of the overpopulation of learners currently experienced in the primary schools located in Chadibe, Borolong and Shashemooke.
Mr Frenzel also wanted to know if there were plans to address the situation and if the planned construction of new primary schools using the DM model was still underway.
