03 Dec 2024

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure conducts road condition survey every four years on the paved and unpaved road networks of Botswana, Parliament has learnt on Monday.

The results, according to Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang, would then inform the development of a multi-year road maintenance, upgrading and rehabilitation plan.

“In this regard, the adopted frequency of road maintenance is dependent on traffic volumes. In accordance with the Road Condition Survey of 2022, the recommended frequencies of grading are 14, 30, 60 and 90 days,” he said.

Mr Atamelang also noted that the ministry would put in place a plan that would uplift the condition or state of all roads across the country based on their traffic volumes, economic and social benefit under the upcoming NDP12.

As for the Kgatleng East constituency, Mr Atamelang said, the intention for maintenance of roads was primarily rehabilitation, asphalt overlay and resealing for surfaced roads and dry grading and re-gravelling of unsurfaced roads.

Dry grading of the Dikwididi-Mochudi, Mokatse-Mochudi and Matebeleng-Mochudi roads, the assistant minister said were planned for grading frequencies of 90, 60 and 90 days respectively.

He however highlighted that the ministry was unable to carry out required maintenance interventions primarily due to budgetary constraints.

Kgatleng East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule had asked the minister to outline government’s current and future plans to address the state of internal and central government roads in Kgatleng East Constituency and other roads across the country.

He also asked the minister to indicate specific plans to dry grade Dikwididi-Mochudi, Mokatse-Mochudi and Matebeleng-Mochudi roads. Ends