13 Oct 2024

The dreams of residents of Gabane, Tloaneng and Mmankgodi became a reality on Thursday when Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila launched a 17-kilometre road project linking the three villages.

Speaking during the launch, Minister Mzwinila said the project, undertaken at a cost of P280 million, should be completed within the stipulated 15 months, on budget and up to requisite standards.

He urged contractor, Asphalt Botswana, a 100 per cent citizen owned company, to employ locals and ensure there was skills transfer and also that the company should through their Corporate Social Responsibility, leave a legacy.

Mr Mzwinila said Asphalt Botswana had undertaken other projects such as the one in Tswapong where it delivered hence government had a trust in the company that it would deliver as expected.

In addition, the minister urged the company to sub-contract local companies and ensure it engaged local communities.

Mr Mzwinila said the project should have started in 2021 but experienced delays hence it was only undertaken this year.

The road comes with a storm water drainage system and solar street lights.

Minister of Defence and Justice, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said as former area MP, he was happy to have delivered on his promise to connect the three villages.

He said the road was expected to add value to the local communities and that should he return to Parliament,  he would advocate for a senior secondary school for the benefit of the villages while Mr Pius Mphathiwa from Asphalt Botswana promised to deliver the project on time and within budget.

Mr Mphathiwa added that they would start with Gabane – Tloaneng section as Mmankgodi – Tloaneng part had challenges among them, unresolved land confiscation and environment issues.

He said once all these had been resolved, they would then start the section.

Mr Mphathiwa promised to employ locals and where possible, procure whatever they needed from local businesses as well.

He thanked the government for giving citizen owned companies opportunities. Ends