Africa-Press – Botswana. The second phase of the Jwaneng Mine Hospital expansion is nearing completion.
The P113 million project entails upgrading and expanding some sections of the hospital, which include theatre, maternity ward, multi-care ward, high care unit, physiotherapy clinic as well as building a new occupational health clinic.
The project was undertaken through a phased approach to ensure the hospital was operational throughout.
Addressing the Jwaneng Town Council (JTC) virtual full council meeting on Tuesday, the Mayor Ms Olga Ditsie said the project created employment for 168 Batswana in various ramifications.
“In consideration of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme and local empowerment, Jwaneng Mine contracted a local company called JumpCorp, which created employment to 168 people all of which are citizens of Botswana,” she said. On other projects, Ms Ditsie noted that the refurbishment of the Jwaneng Airport was expected to be complete by the third quarter of this year.
She said the P48 million project was intended to enhance the economic activity of Jwaneng township beyond diamond mining.
“The new facility is further intended to drive sustainability of the town post mining, through aviation and to contribute to the Jwaneng community as part of the national Vision 2036 aspirations,” she noted.
Furthermore, she applauded Jwaneng Mine for collaborating with Water Utilities Corporation and the local authorities to address public challenges such as sewage spillages which were an eye sore in some areas of the township.
She also lauded the company for their contribution towards effective waste management around Jwaneng.
“To ease the burden of waste collection and management bottlenecks that we have recently encountered, Jwaneng Mine and its contractors’ assisted with provision of eight tonne trucks and skip bins in open spaces in Jwaneng,” she said. Jwaneng Mine corporate affairs manager, Ms Montlenyane Baaitse said the hospital upgrading was intended to enhance efficiency of the health care services and to also keep up with the growing demand for health care services around the district and beyond.
She further noted that they were committed to improving the lives of the communities in their area of influence in various sectors such as health and education, among others.
However, she said some of their aspirations to impact on the communities were thwarted by financial constraints.
For his part, Seole ward councillor, Mr Tshepo Morris appreciated the intervention by all the relevant authorities to eliminate sewage spillages around the township.
He said the situation was bad for the general appearance of Jwaneng, especially along the Trans Kalahari and bus rank.
“This is a welcome development ahead of us hosting an international event such as the Desert Race. I really commend the stakeholders for effectively addressing the smell in my ward,” he said.
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