*Some schools neglected for over 18 years
*Broke MoE soliciting for funds
Government has deferred developments and cyclic maintenance of some schools in the Nkange constituency planned for the financial year 2021/2022 to next year.
On Tuesday member of Parliament for Nkange Dr. Never Tshabang asked Minister of Education Skills and Development Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe to update the house on progress made regarding boarding facilities at Nkange Junior Secondary School that were planned for Financial Year 2021/22.
Tshabang also wanted an update on remedial plans on the abandoned maitenance works at Madawu Junior Secondary School in Nswazwi and maintenance works programmes for junior secondary schools in his constituency.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change stalwart further asked Minister Letsholathebe to state when the last major maintenance works were carried out in the mentioned schools.
In his response the Minister revealed that the tender for boarding facilities for Nkange JSS were was cancelled on the 20th May at adjudication and award stage due to tender irregularities.
“Subsequently it was decided to employ consultants to scope and do the designs, and anticipated award for consultancy is February, and award for construction is anticipated in May 2023,” said Letsholathebe.
He further said the contract termination process for Madawu JSS’ cyclic maintenance project is complete and all abandoned works have been assessed and scoped. The minister revealed that tender documents for remedial works have been drawn up and will be floated early in the new year to identify a company to carry out works.
Updating on the cyclic maintenance of the schools, the minister revealed that some schools have not been maintained for close to 20 years.
Denjabuya JSS in Tutume was last maintained in 2003/04 while Pandagala last had cyclic maintenance in 2011/12.
“Moses Mengwe JSS in Maitengwe was last maintained in 2016/17, and Goshwe in 2012/13,” he said.
Letsholathebe however stated that Nkangage JSS was last maintained two years ago in 2019/20 and was handed to the school on the 19th May this year.
He said the cyclic maintenance for schools is every five years subject to availability of funds.
“However in many instances my Ministry cannot follow the plan due to financial constraints,” Letsholathebe said.
“Despite this, the schools have been carrying out preventative maintenance on annual basis, and will continue to solicit for more maintenance funds for our schools,” he said.