03 Feb 2025

Contractors engaged in construction projects in Okavango have been commended for doing a diligent job despite challenges faced due to natural features of the area. 

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ignatius Moswaane was speaking after a tour of a primary school project worth about P80 million at Rwee ward in Shakawe over the weekend. The primary school project is divided in two packages of academic facilities worth P54 316 342. 42 and staff houses at P25 million.

He said the ministry was on a mission to tour projects around the country to appreciate their status, adding that the common challenge for contractors engaged in Okavango was that of loose soils, which resulted in the contractors, spending more time on ground work to strengthen foundations of the structures.

Mr Moswaane, however, expressed gratitude for the unity between government officials who managed the projects and the contractors, which he said, helped in delivery of quality projects. He observed that government had skilled officers cable to supervise projects of such magnitude. 

He challenged contractors to invest in good machinery and skilled workers for them to deliver quality projects timely and within budget, which he said, would help them be marketable for future projects.

The assistant minister was happy with the staff houses contractor’s progress and challenged the academic facilities contractor to employ more workers or sub-contractors to try and reach the deadline of the project.

The staff houses’ contractor general manager Mr Keorapetse Manyaapelo of Black Rubbie Properties said the company was constructing 25 staff houses for the primary school adding that the project  started in January 2024 and was anticipated to be completed in October this year.

He said the main challenge experienced at the beginning was poor soil, which sunk and needed strengthening to avoid compromising quality since they were building three storey structures. Mr Manyaapelo said the company also employed some workers from afar since they could not find certain skills in Shakawe area.

Speaking on behalf of the academic facilities contractor, on one hand, Mr Keitumetse Taolo of Elephant Properties said the company was constructing 22 classrooms with two toilet blocks, a preschool, generator house, administration block and a guard house. 

He said the company also experienced challenges of loose soil, which delayed progress, and shortage of skilled work force in Shakawe area hence employed some certain skilled people from some parts of the country.

He said although they were not likely to complete the project on time by July this year they anticipated to complete it in December. ENDS