09 Apr 2014

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Johnnie Swartz says his ministry has split completion work of the Francistown stadium project into two parts.

The minister said the decision was made after the Public Procurement and Asserts Disposal Board (PPADB) advised that splitting work into two parts would allow for ease of implementation and monitoring.

“This process involved separating tender documents into two to facilitate independent contracts,” the minister informed Parliament on April 8. He explained that the first contract was going to cover the stadium arena works, which comprised the running track, soccer pitch and associated infrastructure.

The second contract, according to the minister, would cover the crowd control facilities, alternations, renovations and associated infrastructure which are mainly tuck-shops, ablutions and renovation at east and west stands.

“Two specialist companies were shortlisted for the stadium arena works. Unfortunately, only one submitted a bid in October 2013. Technical evaluation of this bid took a long time to conclude as it involved protracted discussions between my ministry and PPADB,” Mr Swartz said.

He said Turf Specialist Botswana was eventually awarded the project at a cost of P26.8 million, and would be handed the site on April 10. The project was anticipated to take 12 months to complete.

“Tendering for the crowd control installations, alterations, renovations and associated infrastructure closed on 12 March 2014. Evaluation process has been completed and recommendations submitted to PPADB,” said the minister.

He said project commencement and completion dates can only be ascertained after award of the project. The minister was responding to a question from Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi who had asked him to appraise Parliament on progress made at Francistown Stadium. ENDS