24 Jun 2024

Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi  has implored the contractor, Unik Construction Engineers, a wholly owned by Batswana,  engaged in the construction of Semotswane - Mathangwane road to ensure  delivery of a quality and durable road.

Speaking during the tour of the over P675 million road project,Mr Moatlhodi said he was hopeful of smooth completion of the project.

“I am confident that there is close oversight and monitoring of the project to ensure it meets the high standards we have set for ourselves as a country,” he said.

He said he was also happy that the long awaited project had taken off the ground despite many challenges it faced at the beginning.

Mr Moatlhodi however, was concerned with the pace of construction which he said was slower than it had been projected.

“Given the sheer magnitude of this project, delays are always a possibility, but it is disheartening to see the construction fall so far behind schedule,” he added.

“I urge the contractor to prioritise quality and longevity in their work. We have seen too many instances of newly constructed roads crumbling at the first sign of rain, and we cannot afford another setback like that,” he said.

Mr Moatlhodi, who is also the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, underscored the importance of adhering to both time and budget during implementation of the project, stressing the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability.

He said time and money were two precious resources that must be managed with the utmost care and diligence.

“I urge the contractor to prioritise both, ensuring that Semotswane-Mathangwane and its access roads were completed not only on schedule but also within the allocated budget.” he said.

The construction of the road started on June 6, 2023 and the expected completion date is 18 June, 2025.

Amidst concerns over the delays, MP Moatlhodi said the road brought employment opportunities for young Batswana, particularly in villages that lie along the road.

“It is heartening to see that the project employed a significant number of local youths. Shashemooke, at the epicenter to the construction zone, has seen the most hiring and I am grateful for the impact this has had on the community,” he said

Project manager from roads department, Mr Prince Moalosi told the MP that majority of people that had been displaced by the construction of the road had been compensated, with only a handful cases to settle and some additional assessments in progress.

“We have almost reached full compensation for those impacted by the road construction,” he said.

Mr Moalosi said there would be a weigh bridge near Shashemooke.

“We are pleased to confirm that a weigh bridge will be constructed near Shashemooke, in the vicinity of the current construction site offices. Moreover, 10 staff houses have been completed, a crucial step in accommodating the personnel involved in the project,” he said.

Director of CPP Botswana (the consulting engineers), Mr Kabelo Motswagole said there had been some challenges in the construction of the 58 km road.

Challenges such as delay in obtaining mining licenses for burrow-pits, relocation of affected existing infrastructure belonging to Botswana Power Corporation, Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and Botswana Water Utilities Corporation.

The other challenge, he said, was the relocation of graves identified along the road alignment and the increased prices of construction materials. ENDS