02 Jul 2013

Some councillors in the Southern District have embraced the Output Performance Based Road Construction (OPRC) project that incorporates road management, improvement, rehabilitation and maintenance works.

During the opening of Southern District Council meeting recently, council chairman, Mr Leach Tlhomelang said the project would cover over 200 kilometres of roads across the district.

Mr Tlhomelang said the project would comprise of works such as widening of existing pavements, upgrading of unpaved roads to bituminous standard, reconstruction of pavements, resealing works and emergency works in a period of seven to 10 years.

"The aim of this pilot project is to try avoid premature deterioration, improvement of road safety, maintenance of a consistent level of service as well as keeping the cost of maintenance down," he said.  Cllr Ponatshego Tshiping of Moshupa Central welcomed the idea saying it would go a long way in enhancing the quality and safety of the district’s roads.

 She complained about lack of proactiveness on the part of the department of road saying they never delivered on their promises. She said a lot of gravel roads had deteriorated.

Nominated councillor, Mr Alex Siametso suggested that a motion should be tabled to request the department of roads to brief the council on its annual action plan. Cllr Kenalemongwe Mopipi of Ranaka concurred with fellow councillors that the department should be called to brief the council about OPRC.

Cllrs Seofeteng Gontse of Dilolwe said although a lot had been done to improve conditions of roads, Dilolwe was lagging behind and urged council and government to do something on the appalling state of internal roads in the ward.

Meanwhile, Cllr Olebogeng Sethibe of Moshupa West complained that whereas government continues to roll-out backyard gardening with an endeavour to eradicate abject poverty among Batswana, Water Utilities Corporation is negating such efforts.

Cllr Patrick Ralotsia of Ntsweng West commended government for having inclined its ear to the plight of farmers during the recently reviewed ISPAAD guidelines.

 He said the move augurs well in any democratic setting that places the interest of the people first. ENDS