21 Jan 2025

The construction of a primary school in Sese which is financed through the Economic Recovery Transformation Plan of 2020/2021 is expected to be complete in March, a seven month extension from the initial August 2024 completion date.

Delays in disbursing funds, late delivery of supplies among other factors contributed to stalling of the P80 million project that started February 2023 and comprise four packages which have been awarded to different contractors and entail construction of academic facilities, construction of staff houses and electrical installation for both.

Briefing the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane during a tour of the project on Tuesday, project manager, Ms Keneilwe Mosweu said the first package of the project awarded to Roykend Civils at P34 million was at 75 per cent construction completion against 85 per cent targeted.

The package includes 16 classrooms, library, computer lab, reception classroom block, pump house, ablution blocks, kitchen and dining, administration block and guard house.

“Package one which is construction of academic facilities is currently at 75 per cent construction completion against the 85 per cent targeted for January 2025,” she said.

Furthermore, Ms Mosweu noted that construction of 23 staff houses by LM Serole at a cost of P16.9 million was at 70 per cent construction completion against the targeted 78 per cent. 

She noted that while the LA 3 house was complete, gable walls, driveway kerbstone installation and paving were still ongoing. She also said that painting and plumbing works were expected to commence soon.

Additionally, Ms Mosweu said electrical installations for the academic facilities were ongoing and currently at 75 per cent progress, while the same works at the academic facilties were at 70 per cent.

“Electrical installations at academic facilities by Boikago Building Construction at P10.5 million is at 75 per cent against the 85 per cent target. Electrical installations at academic facilities by Samot

Electricals at P2.9 million is at 70 per cent against the targeted 78 per cent,” she noted.

She said contractors were encouraged to to source their material on time, to avoid further project delays and cost overruns.

The assistant minister appreciated the good workmanship by the contractors and the dedication of all stakeholders involved in the project. He said such work ethic resonated with the government’s objective of delivering good quality projects on time and within budget but cautioned contractors against lavish lifestyles which affected the progress and delivery of projects. ENDS