25 May 2014

The proposed project to develop the road linking Mmankgodi to Kanye and Jwaneng is expected to boost the economy of the three places. 


Addressing residents of Jwaneng recently, Mr Victor Lelake of LOCI Environment Consultants said the development of the road which will start from Mmankgodi Junction via Kanye to Jwaneng Circle will create employment for the locals, indicating that unskilled labour will be fully sourced from Jwaneng and surrounding areas.

He also explained that the road will enhance businesses where locals will make income by selling food to the construction workers.


Mr Lelake told the community of Jwaneng that the road will create a good local trading accessibility from one town to the next.

He also explained that maintenance of the road will be carried out by the contractor as the expectation is for the contractor to be given ten years contract for the development and maintenance combined.


He explained that they are working with specialists in ecology so as to have minimal impacts on the flora and fauna found in and around the proposed project as tourism was vital for the economy of the country.


Mr Lelake also said that archaeologists, air quality, qualitative social impact and environment health and safety specialists were some of the specialists that have come on board in evaluating and assuring the project brings more positives than negative impacts on nature and the community that surrounds the project. 


Mr Lelake however informed the public that though the road will bring positives to the community, negatives were also to be expected. He mentioned that negative impacts that may come may include structural demolishment, traffic jam, dusty air and transsexual relationships.


One of the residents Ms Simphiwe Moshabi expressed joy for the development of the road explaining that many people have lost their lives in the Jwaneng-Kanye road. She also expressed concern that local residents are usually sidelined when employment is carried out.


Mr Wilson Dibapile also shared the same sentiments explaining that the expectation is for Jwaneng residents to be given priority when hiring.

He also expressed concern over construction companies that do not produce quality projects thus leaving the country at a loss. 


Commenting on the concerns raised by the residents, Mr Lelake assured them that they will consider the residents of mining town especially in unskilled labour vacancies.

He also explained that in assuring good quality of the projects, they will engage different stakeholders like councils so as they can also vet whether what was agreed is met.  ENDS