LEQEP to Construct Classrooms in 25 Schools

Posted by Letswalo L Marobane on 21 May 2021, 07:40 SAST

In an attempt to reduce construction costs while maintaining the quality and to increase community ownership of newly constructed classrooms and latrines, the government of Lesotho and the World Bank endorsed a Community-Based Approach for construction funded by the bank.

The Ministry of Education and Training through the Lesotho Education Quality for Equality Project (LEQEP) will construct classrooms and latrines in 25 schools in eight districts utilizing the above-mentioned approach. This is where communities around such schools will be engaged to perform all duties in the construction of the classrooms with the assistance of the consultant and Education Facilities Unit (EFU).

Addressing the members of three school boards in Semonkong the acting Director of EFU Mr. Thebe Tiheli noted that procurement principles including efficiency, transparency, and accountability should be adhered to for the smooth implementation of the project.

He encouraged them to ensure that sexual harassment and gender inequality are prohibited to employees and the precautions on COVID 19 are adhered to, adding that occupational health and safety shall be another major issue to be considered.

The principal of Ketane High School Mr. Khutliso Morake commented on the Ministry of Education and Training for the inclusion of community members in the construction of the classrooms and latrines as the community will own the entire process.

The main objective of the project is to improve basic education service delivery and student retention in targeted schools. It is intended to benefit the teachers and students in 312 primary schools and 65 secondary schools. Most schools covered in this project are situated in the remotest areas of Lesotho where residents rely solely on animal and crop farming.