08 Mar 2015

The department of roads chief engineer, Mr Letlhogela Radipata says the Thapama circle will be closed in five to six weeks as part of the on-going construction of the Tonota -Francistown Road.

Updating the Francistown civic leaders during a full council meeting, Mr Radipata said the Tonota-Francistown road (A1) circle would be closed from Naledi Motors going to the south while on the Francistown- Maun road (A3) the circle would be closed from the Fire Station junction going west.

He said the circle would also be closed at the High Court junction going to the eastern direction. Mr Radipata told councillors that alternative routes would be made and by-pass roads would be introduced and stakeholders would be engaged before the closure.

“The construction is slightly delayed because the programmed progress is 71.4 per cent yet on the ground the progress is 69.2 per cent. This means that the anticipated completion period of October 16, this year will be extended to November 8,” he said.

The Tonota-Francistown road project began in October 17, 2012 and was to be completed in a period of 36 months at a cost of close to P1 billion. So far, the constructions of some of the bridges that are part of the 29.7 kilometre road project are completed.

Nominated Councillor Peter Ngoma appreciated the project indicating that once completed it would aid the traffic congestion in the city.

For his part, Donga Councillor, Mr Ben Mpotokwane raised concern about the delay of completion of projects, saying he was however optimistic that the construction of the road would be completed in November as indicated.

Nominated Councillor Zazambi Tuelo called for intensified monitoring by the Roads department in order to ensure quality outcome. ENDS