12 Nov 2014

Balete deputy chief Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi, has expressed disappointment over the number of locals to be engaged in the construction of the multi-million pula Notwane River Bridge between South Africa and Botswana.

The bridge, which is being constructed by Stefanutti Stocks Civil and Aurecon, would be financed by the government of South Africa under a treaty which will have the Botswana government financing the Platjaan Bridge.

In an interview, Kgosi Mokgosi said a few locals would benefit from the project contrary to initial figures supplied by the contractor. He said they were once promised that the project would employ between 60 to 120 labourers from Botswana but he regretted that the figure had dropped to 15 people.

“We were hoping that this project will help create temporary jobs for the villagers especially that we are faced with high unemployment rates,” he said. However, Kgosi Mokgosi said 15 labourers were better than none and added that the contractor had explained that they havd now opted to use machinery as opposed to labourers.

“The issue of machinery being used rather than labourers came as a surprise to us because we had high hopes,” said Kgosi Mokgosi. However, he was hopeful that more labourers could still be engaged during the project construction should there be any delays.

He commended the contractors for being considerate of Batswana labourers by making special arrangements for them such as paying in the local currency.

Further, Kgosi Mokgosi advised everyone who has applied to be patient as there would be a lot of screening to check individuals against any criminal records. He said those with criminal records will not be considered since the site is a high security area.

For his part, the community liaising officer for Aurecon Company, Mr Ikageng Taffa said that the project took off well regardless of the rain.  He said rains were the only challenge they were faced with and added that if it continues to rain, the construction would be delayed because they would be forced to wait until it stops.

Mr Taffa said they had already hired one Motswana as a safety representative, adding that 15 labourers from Ramotswa and another 15 from Swarrkop in South Africa will be hired. The P80 million projects is expected to be completed in October 2015. ENDS