21 Jan 2025

Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is currently seeking the services of an independent consultant to identify solutions for completing the A10 Moshupa Bridge, which has faced construction delays since August 2024.

With a budget of approximately P26.4 million, the project has been suspended due to high underground water levels that have disrupted its progress.

In an interview on Tuesday, Chief Roads Engineer at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Mphetang Mmolawa explained that the construction began in September 2023 but was halted in August 2024 to explore solutions that would allow work to resume.

Mr Mmolawa outlined potential strategies to address the issue, including implementing temporary drainage solutions for the underground water and increasing the span of the bridge. He noted that these adjustments could impact the project’s initial budget.

The ministry plans to identify and engage an expert consultant by February 2025 who would take approximately three to four months to develop new tender specifications for an incoming contractor.

Once a new contractor was in place, Mr Mmolawa anticipated that construction of the bridge could take around 18 months to complete. In a significant development, the ministry amicably terminated the contract with the previous contractor in October.

As part of the settlement agreement, the contractor was compensated approximately P3.4 million, primarily due to lost profits and delays that resulted in idle machinery on site.

Currently, the outgoing contractor is focused on securing the construction site to prevent unauthorised access, ensuring proper water flow across the bridge, and preparing for upcoming work.

For guidance regarding vehicle routes in the area near Moshupa, especially for different sizes of vehicles, he encouraged small vehicles to take a detour through the village, while larger trucks and buses were advised to use the Kanye-Ranaka road for better connectivity to Gaborone and Kgalagadi.

The advice is all due to road conditions, safety, and traffic management considerations. ENDS