23 Mar 2015

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology will do everything to ensure that the construction of Shakawe Primary Hospital project is delivered to the desired quality, within budget and on time.

Minister Nonofo Molefhi said this at the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the multi-million Pula health facility in Shakawe recently.  He said that his ministry would not hesitate to take the necessary action against any of the parties that would not perform to  expectations.

“I am once again directing this to the contractor, the consultant and the officials from Department of Electrical and Building Engineering Services so that they get the message very clear,” said Mr Molefhi.

He also noted that the residents of Shakawe were emerging from a frustrating experience regarding the delayed delivery of Shakawe Senior Secondary School, therefore they did not wish to go through the same experience again.

Speaking about the commencement date of the project, which is the first phase of staff houses, at a cost of P62 million, the minister said it began on March 2 and the completion date is March 1 next year.

“Having agreed to this schedule and other terms and conditions specified in the contract, we expect the entire project team to ensure that the project achieves its key milestones and note that there will be no additional time,’’ he said.

On another point, he said the presence of the Minister of Health Ms Dorcas Makgato and her team was a testimony to the fact that the health ministry wanted the facility completed at the earliest time possible.

He also reminded the project team that the permanent secretary in the ministry will be available to advise and assist whenever there were issues that would require the intervention of the ministry.

Mr Molefhi also cautioned the project team to ensure that they adhere to Botswana labour laws when they hire locals. 

The area MP, Mr Bagalatia Arone said that he was happy that at last the people of Okavango will not have to travel as far as Gumare and Maun to access health services.  ENDS