02 Oct 2024

The construction of Thamaga-Kubung road is envisioned to play a critical role in easing movement between agricultural production areas and the markets.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi thus extolled the project at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the said road at Kubung yesterday, emphasising its potential to foster economic development, thereby enhancing trade and commerce.

President Masisi further emphasised the uniqueness of the Thamaga-Kubung road, saying unlike other major road projects that connected developed areas and business centres, it would link a village with rural areas, providing a vital link for communities.

“It will connect Thamaga with Moshaweng, Moshupa and Kubung, in addition to production areas such as Lesilakgokong and the surrounding lands,” he said.

He indicated that despite budgetary constraints that had previously delayed the project’s implementation under the Economic Stimulus Package in 2016, the groundbreaking ceremony served as a tangible symbol of the government’s commitment to fulfil its promise to the people of Thamaga and Kubung.

President Masisi further assured them that the funding was now secured to ensure the timely completion of the project, which was 18 months from now, emphasising government’s commitment to completing the project on budget and within scheduled time frame.

He further revealed that in line with the Public Procurement and Economic Inclusion Act and the Citizen Economic Empowerment Policy, a citizen-owned company had been awarded the contract for the project, the move, he said was aligned with the government’s efforts to promote economic diversification and increase opportunities for businesses.

For his part,  Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale detailed the Thamaga-Kubung project, saying the road was approximately 21.5 kilometres.

The upgrading of the road from gravel to bitumen standard, he said, would ensure greater durability and stability, especially considering the growing traffic volume in the area.

In addition the road upgrade would include access to the Kubung kgotla, he said.

Overall, he said the project aimed to support sustainable socio-economic development in the Thamaga and Kubung communities by facilitating trade, improving connectivity and supporting industries.

Mr Molale underscored the importance of citizen engagement in the construction sector as a key aspect of the project.

He emphasised that local companies and citizens would be given priority in the construction of the road to support their development and growth, disclosing that Bango Trading, a citizen-owned construction company with ‘an excellent track record’ had been awarded the contract for the project.

Bango Trading managing director, Mr Moffat James, expressed gratitude to government for unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and appreciated the progress the country had made thus far.

Mr James highlighted his company’s extensive experience in road construction and maintenance in Botswana, assuring President Masisi that the Thamaga-Kubung road project would be delivered on time and meet the highest quality standards.

He also stressed that the project would bring about numerous benefits for the community, including job creation for the youth, skills transfer, and the development of local businesses in surrounding villages.

Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council chairperson, Mr Ofentse Mafoko expressed gratitude for the project, which had been stalling since 2016, with MPs and councillors consistently calling for its commencement.

Kgosi Boitshwarelo Mabutlwane of Kubung shared the sentiments, highlighting the community’s delight at the commencement of the envisaged project. ENDS