17 Sep 2013

This week could not have started better for residents of Letlhakeng, who on September 16 witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony for the long-awaited internal roads project in the village.

Giving the overview of the project, chairperson of the Kweneng District Council, Mr Motlhopi Leo, said the idea to construct internal roads in Letlhakeng was mooted in 2008 but its realisation was delayed by challenges such as court cases and the global recession.

“The project was agreed upon way back in 2008 and in the same year, we sought funds for its design which was done in 2009 by Group Consult Global,” he said.

Cllr Leo explained that after a delay due to the fact that the tender for the projects was contested in court, the project was finally given the green light in 2012, albeit with reduction from the initial 30 km to 20 km as well as the exclusion of streetlights.

However, residents were happy to be informed that the project would revert to the initial 30 km, which will also encompass the street lights as well as the storm water drainage system.

The council secretary, Mr Wadza Tema, urged the contractor, Pre-Con Construction, to complete the project on time and within budget. He urged the contractor to employ residents of the sub-district, especially in jobs that did not require any skills.

Mr Tema also urged the constructor to discuss any challenges that they might face with the relevant authorities so that solutions could be found it time to prevent delays.

“I want to assure you that constant monitoring of the project will be done to ensure nothing derails, and that we pay for a quality job,” he said. “I will also advise you to start as soon as possible because this project has been long awaited by the sub district.”

Pre-Con Construction promised to ensure that work was done to the best quality, and that they will try and finish the project before the set time. The project starts in October and is expected to be completed April 2016, a period of 36 months. Ends