Learners receive bicycles from MEC

Victor Mulangisi

The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Ms Nomandla Bloem handed over hundred bicycles and helmets to learners of Itlotleng Commercial and Gatlhose Primary school in Bendel. This was part of the launch of the Transport Month. So far about hundred and fifty recipients in the region are cycling with glamour to various schools through this noble idea from the department.

Ms Bloem said that the program is strictly set to assist rural-based learners who have a serious challenge of transportation. Accompanied by the mayor of Joe Morolong local municipality councillor Dineo Leutlwetse, there was a thunderous applause of the learners’ windfall. She said that the many challenges confronted by learners need a holistic approach hence her department deemed it necessary to intervene.

 The MEC said that these bicycles are meant for school purposes not for any other ulterior uses. Only those learners from deserving situation particularly those coming from distant villages were prioritized. In a succinct response to the learners’ rescue bicycles mayor Leutlwetse said that Joe Morolong is quite vast and, as such, more of these bicycles should have been availed to each and every ward with a high school from a different village.

“We appreciate the donation made by the department of safety as it complements the Department of Education in as far as learner transport is concerned. It is no secret that some learners face serious challenges and transportation comes first as they come from distant villages.

Thus, we urge the Department of Roads to improve in the maintenance of these roads as most of them are gravel. The state of roads in the Joe Morolong area does not attract transporters because their fleets’ life span is greatly compromised to wear and tear. Very few transporters are willing to render services but upon discovery of the state of the roads they unceremoniously disappear”, the mayor said.