24 Jun 2015

Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, says he is satisfied with progress made on the renovation of the 25 parliamentary flats.

Speaking after touring the flats, Mr Molefhi said although the project could have long been completed, the main challenge that emanated could not be addressed by the ministry, but by Parliament itself.

He cited delays in the commencement of the work by electrical contractors such as the replacement of porcelain tiles which were not initially planned.

“It is crucial that the ministry as the supervisor of projects, a client, and the contractor should work cohesively so that the projects can run as expected without undesirable delays,” he said.

Minister Molefhi said it was crucial for the flats to be completed to solve the accommodation issues that affect Members of Parliament. He noted that presently ministers were staying in different places around Gaborone, which made it difficult for some logistics to be done.

He said the intention to provide housing was to reduce the high cost of rentals for MPs, adding that provision would be made in future for internet hot spots to make their work easy.

The project which was awarded to Cul De Sac (PTY) LTD at the tune of over P9.9 million was initially planned to be completed on October 30, 2014, but due to some delays it was extended to June, this year.

The project manager from the Department of Buildings and Engineering Services, Mr Alphonse Jayachandran, said some delays were caused by approvals which had to be made by the client and procurement of sanitary fittings due to unavailability of the required quantities locally.

He said currently the project progress stands at 98 per cent and plans were underway to handover 13 flats while the remaining 12 flats would be handed over at the end of June, this year.

“I am very optimistic and confident that the flats will be handed over by the end of this month, as all the works which were provided by the citizen owned contractor and the nominated sub-contractors were almost done,” he said.

Mr Jayachandran said the workmanship was upright but was concerned that although the roof leakages was addressed, it needed to be done as a separate contract as the solar panels were placed on the roof making them accessible to tempering.

“Some of the works in this project include, removing the carpet and ceramic tiles and replacing them with porcelain tiles, replacing old hot water system, air conditioners, damaged ceiling, painting internal walls, attending to electrical works and replacing air conditions units,” said Mr Jayachandran. Ends