24 Jul 2024

In an effort to prioritise maintenance for the longevity and functionality of government infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport and Public Works has introduced various interventions and strategies to enhance public facilities.

Responding to a parliamentary question on Tuesday, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale, emphasised the importance of maintaining key infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and police stations.

Mr Molale disclosed that some time ago, a decision was made for each ministry or department to take charge of their own maintenance duties, leading to the establishment of ministerial technical units.

However, he acknowledged that these units were understaffed, hindering their effectiveness in carrying out maintenance tasks.

Acknowledging a disparity between public and private sector maintenance schedules, Mr Molale noted that government ministries often prioritize their primary functions, occasionally neglecting maintenance needs.

He cited instances where funds were redirected to urgent matters within ministries, causing delays in infrastructure upkeep.

Mr Molale highlighted challenges such as delayed emergency maintenance, issues with procurement methods, and limited capacity to address maintenance promptly, exacerbated by insufficient collaboration between agencies.

Nonetheless, he assured that the ministry was committed to continual enhancements in addressing maintenance issues.
He mentioned ongoing efforts in conducting condition surveys to identify maintenance requirements and the development of comprehensive facilities management frameworks, including maintenance management guidelines and facilities classification guidelines.

“These guidelines aim to improve the functionality, safety, and efficiency of maintaining government buildings,” Mr Molale explained.

Furthermore, Mr Molale welcomed private sector participation, stating that involving private companies aligns with the government’s strategy of engaging external expertise for tasks suited to the private sector.

Member of Parliament for Gaborone North, Mr Mpho Balopi had asked the minister whether he was aware that public infrastructure had generally dilapidated and not well maintained, citing classrooms, hospitals and police stations as examples.

MP Balopi wanted the minister   to state the reasons maintenance of the government infrastructure, especially buildings were often delayed, compared to private sector infrastructure.

He further wanted to know if there were any plans to streamline processes, especially the procurement process, with a view to reducing the length of time taken before damages or worn-out infrastructure was attended to.

Furthermore, Mr Balopi wanted to know if there was room for private sector players to come on board and assist in infrastructure development maintenance as necessary without being subjected to bureaucratic red tape. ENDS