Africa-Press – Botswana. Government continues to actively explore new road networks in order to improve quality of life.
This was said by The Minister of Transport and Communications Mr Eric Molale at an occasion that marked contract signing for construction of Motopi- Makalamabedi road project in Makalamabedi on Tuesday.
Mr Molale said it was government’s wish and mandate of his ministry to improve road networks throughout the country in order to connect communities and settlements, improve access to production areas and open up new opportunities for economic and social development.
He pointed out that the aim was to improve quality of life through provision of quality infrastructure and built environment, as well as improve safety and security by ensuring safety and security of local transport and other infrastructure during development and maintenance.
He stated that upgrading of Motopi-Makalamabedi road from gravel to an all-weather road was long overdue hence the government’s decision to include it in the current second Transitional National Development Plan. He said the road would reduce travelling time between Makalamabedi and outlying major centres such as Francistown and Orapa/Letlhakane by approximately 30 kilometres.
The project has been awarded to Estate Construction (Pty) Ltd at a cost of P264 million.
Mr Molale stated that main works were construction of new road, provision of storm water drainage system with culverts, construction of cattle grids, road markings and erection of road signage.
Mr Molale said the government had done its part in sourcing funding for the construction of the road.
He called upon the contractor and other stakeholders to do their part to ensure that the road was completed on time.
“I call upon the contractor to engender good relations with the community that they serve in,” he said.
He reiterated that the project was meant to create jobs more especially for the youth, ease doing business, connect communities and improve quality of life for all citizens.
The Managing Director of Estate Construction, Mr Kegone Sebina stated the project would commence in February 20, 2024 and its duration would be 18 months.
The scope of the project covered construction of culverts and side drains, construction 33.1 kilometres long and 10 metres wide road complete with road markings, road signs and bus stops.
He said the project he would also cover construction of 0.250 kilometres long and seven metres wide access road to Makalamabedi kgotla.
Mr Sebina stated that recruitment of unskilled labour would be done at the kgotla whilst that of skilled labour would be done in liaison with Department of Labour, noting that expected staff compliment is not less 150 Batswana. He noted that graduated engineers and SHE officers fresh from college would be hired to work under supervision of professionals in their field of study.
He said assured that the contractor would rent houses for its workforce in the neighbouring villages such as Motopi and Makalamabedi among others, adding that purchase of construction materials would be done locally in Maun.
One of the residents, Mr Bathusi Kutoro said hailed the project as it would create employment opportunities and ease transportation.
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