07 Jul 2015

The bulk of the P1.8 billion development budget for the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) will be spent on major roads projects this financial year to enhance traffic flow. 

Of the amount, P809 million will go towards upgrading of Tonota-Francistown dual road, Charleshill-Ncojane road, Botswana Integrated Transport Project (BITP) as well as Kazungula and Mohembo bridges. Upgrading of Tonota-Francistown to dual carriageway will improve movement of traffic in Tonota, Tati Siding and Francistown, especially during peak hours.

BITP is intended to enhance the transport system efficiency and competitiveness. One of the BITP key components is the Output and Performance-based Road Contracting (OPRC). Other components include the National Multi-Modal and Greater Gaborone Transport Master Plans which aim to provide efficient and cost effective integrated transport system.

Road network improvements will also cover resealing and shoulder repairing of Molepolole-Mapharangwane turn-off road which is set for completion this financial year. The road links the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Thebephatshwa Air Base west of Molepolole. The project is part of the ministry’s roads reseal maintenance programme.

The ministry will also spend P504 million on bitumen and trunk roads improvements. Through the reseal maintenance programme, the ministry is targeting to improve national road network maintenance and upkeep.

Other road resealing works under the reseal maintenance programme include Serule-Tonota, Sebina-Tutume and Khumaga-Motopi roads. The ministry will also roll out pothole patching initiative to road networks across the country. The initiative was piloted using the Nokaneng-Shakawe road where positive results were realised.

Villages telecomms links upgrade to fibre optic technology
MTC has also allocated P410 million, which is the second largest share of the budget towards the development of telecommunication services. Major projects under this programme include international connectivity, backbone networks to upgrade Sekoma-Tsabong-Struizendum and Sehithwa-Mohembo-Seronga links to fibre optic technology for increased capacity and Local Access Networks.

Kasane, Maun airports improve security and safety
Air Transport Infrastructure programme will get P357 million to improve terminal buildings and air traffic  control towers at Maun and Kasane airports. Funds will also be used to procure equipment and upgrading of systems to improve security and safety in the aviation sector as well as continuation of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport’s (SSKIA)  terminal building.
The remaining balance of P39 million will cover various projects under facilities, computerisation, transport control and road safety programmes. ends