Africa-Press – Botswana. The Transitional National Development Plan projects are expected to create jobs for local communities, MP for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Mephato Reatile has said.
Addressing a kgotla meeting in Itholoke on Tuesday, Mr Reatile said some of the major projects included 25km internal roads, street lights and storm water drainage in Mabutsane.
He expressed optimism that the projects would create employment not only for Mabutsane residents but for other communities in the constituency.
The MP informed his audience that Khakhea boreholes would be expanded as a temporary solution to the water shortage problem in the area while awaiting the equipping of Mahotshwane boreholes.
Residents heard that Constituency Community Projects (CCP) funds would go towards improving the state of internal roads in the constituency.
He however said Mabutsane and Kanaku villages would be excluded since they had benefitted through other avenues.
“We have met with other stakeholders like councillors and decided that Mabutsane would not benefit because as it is, they have other projects planned as they upgrade to a district council headquarters. Kanaku also benefitted in the last CCP funds to upgrade the primary school,” he explained.
Mr Reatile said the institution’s upgrading to a fully fledged primary school was intended to eliminate the need for boarding.
Children had to stay with their parents for effective guidance and discipline, he emphasised.
He expressed disappointment that even though funds were allocated in the last CCP schedule, the project was yet to commence.
“We had to prioritise this project because we want children to stay with their parents for enhanced responsibility and accountability, but even as we speak, the project has not started,” he said.
For their part, Itholoke residents decried poor academic results at the primary school.
One of the attendants, Mr Oakantse Akanyang said the 48 per cent pass rate for the 2022 Primary School Leaving Examinations was appalling and called for urgent intervention.
He underscored the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure improvement.
Another resident, Mr Obadile Ramasupi said Itholoke Primary School used to be their pride and joy.
“This school used to perform well and as residents it was our pride. It is a serious concern that the academic performance is going down,” he said.
In response, principal education officer, Ms Sereko Mokhawe called on all stakeholders to come together, evaluate and map a way forward in order to turn the situation around.
She appealed to parents to take responsibility for moulding and guiding their children against anti-social behaviour which ultimately had adverse effects on their studies.
“It is not proper to point fingers at the teachers because we did all in our power to ensure that the learners were prepared. We also have to acknowledge that each cohort has its peculiar challenges that ultimately affect the results,” said Ms Mokhawe.
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