27 Nov 2024

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae has called for world-class infrastructure that will lead to investment attraction, sustainable human settlements and improved livelihoods.

Minister Salakae made the remarks during contract signing of the 125km Ghanzi-New Xade road construction and other associated road works in New Xade recently.

He said construction of the P1.45 billion project would start by New Xade junction, just 10km from Ghanzi heeding towards New Xade with access roads to West and East Hanahai villages. 

The minister explained that the road was initially designed under the then Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in 2009, but was shelved due to the global recession at the time.

He said the long awaited project was anticipated to go a long way in connecting communities and settlements, improving access to production areas and opening up new opportunities for economic and social development. He said the project would also accelerate an inclusive and private sector led economy in the provision of infrastructure.

“I have no doubt that this project will create wealth and much needed jobs in Ghanzi District,” he said.

Furthermore, he said government was committed to transparency and accountability in project delivery, and emphasised the need to uphold consistent community engagement and spirit of ‘Therisano’ at all times.

Mr Salakae mentioned that to demonstrate commitment in promoting transparency, they saw it fit to sign contracts in a transparent manner at a kgotla set up. 

“This will give the communities, a sense of ownership of projects as well as for contractors to understand that they should be accountable to the communities they serve,” the minister said.

The P1.45 billion project has been awarded to Tau Grading and Building Construction which is a 100 per cent citizen owned company.

Mr Salake said the contractor had a noticeable record in completing projects within time, scope and budget and urged them to continue upholding the same principles.

The scope of the project entails construction of the 97.208 km Ghanzi-New Xade road, including the 27.93 km access roads to West and East Hanahai. 

The project is expected to commence 14 days from the signing of the contract and will take duration of two years, six months followed with a 12-month defects liability period.

He called on the contractors to promote local empowerment by utilising the local workforce that recently trained on plant operation through the affirmative action in Charleshill and Ghanzi districts.

For his part, Tau Grading and Building Construction, Project manager Mr John Motsomi said that the company had pledged P5 million towards the development of Ghanzi District.

Mr Motsomi promised to deliver the project on time and within scope and budget. He added that, they would work closely with communities and also ensured compliance with labour laws.

Earlier in his welcome remarks Kgosi Lobatse Beslag of New Xade applauded government for the construction of the road saying it would ease movement between villages in the locality as well as attracting more developments in the area.

He implored community members to work closely with the contractors for the benefit of uplifting their livelihoods. Ends