06 Apr 2014

Ever since it was introduced in 2011, the Botswana roads maintenance manual has yielded positive results as it is used as a guiding document by all contractors undertaking maintenance works.

This was revealed by principal roads engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mr Mphatleng Mmolawa during a recent press briefing. Mr Mmolawa said the roads maintenance manual has resulted in significant improvements in roads maintenance and the quality of work delivered by contractors.

“Since its launch in 2011 the manual has resulted in improvement in execution of works.

Citizen contractors are adhering to the manual and it has yielded the desired results,” he said. The first ever roads maintenance manual was developed to make sure that government keeps well-maintained roads to reduce road accidents.

The manual provides strategic guidance on the provision of maintenance works in all types of roads in Botswana. Mr Mmolawa said the manual has resulted in enhanced workmanship and professionalism in roads maintenance as projects are completed on time, within budget and according to specifications.

“70 per cent of our projects are completed within budget and time unlike before when contractors had challenges. The manual guides our contractors on what needs to be done and we are able to save a lot of money,” he said.

The manual has put an end to problems of the past, when contractors delivered poor quality projects which cost government a lot of money in rehabilitation.

It was produced through a joint effort between the roads department and the Norwegian public roads administration and it details all specifications needed in road maintenance. Mr Mmolawa said the manual incorporates a performance-based approach and also advocates for the use of labor based methods.

It is subdivided into four parts namely: overview and maintenance management, maintenance standards, maintenance operational standards and maintenance standards specifications.

The technical advisor, Mr Charles Overby, said the manual was also designed to improve the contractors’ ability to prepare tender documents.

He said the manual is meant for citizen contractors as government has taken a decision to give them priority in road maintenance projects.

He added that the Roads Department was impressed by turnout at the workshops meant to sensitise contractors about the roads maintenance manual.

He added that it is important to preserve Botswana’s roads, which are worth over P25 billion. He said the Roads Department spends millions on routine maintenance jobs using labor based method and stressed the need for all stakeholders to ensure that they adhere to set maintenance requirements.

“The manual will require periodic updating to accommodate the dynamic nature of developments in road technology.  It includes repairs to drainage structures, road signs, removal of livestock from the road reserve, street cleaning, including repairs to traffic and street lights, and most importantly maintenance onbridges,” said Mr Overby. ENDS