26 Sep 2024

In alignment with the government’s initiative to provide decent housing, Serowe District Council has successfully completed 121 houses since 2019 through the Remote Area Dwellers Programme (RADP) and Destitute Housing Programmes.

This was said by Serowe District Council deputy chairperson, Mr Bernard Kenosi during the official opening of the last session of full council meeting in Serowe on Monday.

To date a total number of 62 destitute housing units were allocated to Serowe District Council at an amount of P5 040 000, Mr Kenosi said pointing out that 59 of these units have been completed with three still ongoing.

Mr Kenosi said tthe units have benefited a total of 213 household members, and that on completion of the remaining units a total of 230 household members would have benefitted.

“Though the programmes’ main objectives were provision of shelter there were jobs created through engagement of local artisans for the construction of shelter as well as local suppliers for the provision of building materials,” he said.

He said the projects had restored the dignity of beneficiaries and improved their livelihoods. 

Concerning, primary school backlog, Mr Kenosi noted that over the past few years, they have executed a total of 37 backlog eradication projects, funded during the 2018/19 and 2023/24 financial years.

He said for the 2018/19 financial year, all 30 projects were successfully completed and were now fully operational benefiting schools and communities.

He said the council was committed to improve education infrastructure, and ensuring that both learners and teachers have access to well-maintained and functional facilities. He thus urged all officers to remain dedicated to complete all remaining projects efficiently and ensure that they are of the best quality.

“One of the challenges we have been facing is the high water bills for primary schools. In response, the council has taken a decisive step to prioritize maintenance in 10 primary schools, specifically focusing on toilet repairs and water reticulation systems,” he said.

The schools identified for the maintenance were Masokola, Makolo, St. Gabriel, Newtown, Motshegaletau, Motalaote, Moiyabana, Dimajwe, Sehunou and Mogorosi primary schools.

He stated that these schools were selected based on their water consumption patterns, which have contributed to high water bills, he said.

Mr Kenosi disclosed  that  funds permitting, thr initiative would be rolled to other primary schools across the district, focusing on improving sanitation and water systems.

He said the district administration was committed to ensuring that all schools within the jurisdiction were well maintained, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for learners.

He said for the 2023/24 financial year, the Serowe District Council was allocated P2 Million to carry out essential maintenance of Remote Area Dweller Settlements (RADS) hostels in both Sehunou and Malatswae villages.

In addition, he said these maintenance projects were crucial to ensuring that the hostels continue to provide safe and comfortable accommodations for students from remote areas.

“I am pleased to inform you that these two projects are currently at the tender award stage.

“This intervention will significantly improve the living conditions in the hostels, benefiting the students who rely on these facilities during their education. This is a commitment to ensure that all students, regardless of their location and background access quality accommodation that would facilitate their learning process and overall well-being,” he said. ENDs