07 Dec 2014

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST), Mr Nonofo Molefhi says the Francistown stadium is one the projects that have been a thorn in the flesh for his ministry because of its delay in completion.

Speaking in a briefing after touring the stadium, Minister Molefhi said it was worrisome that delays in completion came with extra costs. He implored stakeholders in the private sector to understand that undertaking projects for the government was not a favour but came with costs.

 Mr Molefhi said delays in completion of projects did not only cost the government but also led to public disappointment. He urged contractors to ensure that the quality of the projects they carried out were commensurate with the money they were  paid, hence value for money.

“Contractors should be fully aware that the government expects nothing less than what the two parties signed for,” he said. Mr Molefhi noted that contractors should understand that the workmanship is their testimonial and reputation and shoddy job means the government will not give such a contractor a second chance.

He noted that because of the poor workmanship that led to the delay in the completion of the stadium, the Francistown residents will forever point accusing fingers at the government.

Furthermore, he encouraged the contractor and the sub-contractors that are engaged to finish the stadium to acquit themselves by doing a good job as this will remain as part of their testimonials.

He said local companies should prove to the government that they are capable and could only prove by executing their assignments effectively. “Construction companies should see beyond the project they are assigned,” he said.

Earlier in his briefing the project manager, James Tasethabi said the completion project commenced on June 30 this year and is expected to be finished by June 8 next year.

Tasethabi said the works that are currently on-going are civil and electrical, tuck-shops, ticketing areas and the e-ticketing system.

He explained that the overall progress of the project is on time and within budget, adding it is between 40-50 per cent.

The electrical contractor, Cecil Davids said remedial works on the areas, which were vandalized, have started and they will also work on the CCTV for the whole stadium, install public address system and will also work on the area that the television crew can operate in when making live broadcasts.

Meanwhile, the construction of the stadium was estimated to cost over P170 million and was anticipated to be completed in February 2010, but due to some faults could, it not be completed within the time frame.

Some of the faults were in the grand stand, change rooms, which could not accommodate a complete team and that the media room in the grand stand could not capture the whole pitch.

Due to the faults, the stadium was delayed with about two years and the current completion project, which is estimated to cost over P97 million is aimed at rectifying the mistakes.  ENDS