21 Feb 2013

The Department of Geological Survey (DGS) encountered various challenges in the commissioning and operation of the Edson drill rig as it did not meet the required specification.

Answering a question on behalf of the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, the Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said after numerous failed attempts to commission the rig, the department requested the Attorney General’s Chambers to intervene in recovering the money paid to Aussie Diamond Products (Pty) Ltd of Australia for a drill rig.

He said the case was heard before court in Australia in October 2009 and unfortunately, a judgement dismissing the case was delivered in June 2010. He further noted that an appeal lodged with the Supreme Court in November 2011 also resulted in a judgement dismissing the case in March 2012.

He said  this implied that the rig, which was purchased in 2004, became the property of the geological surveys.

Minister Masisi said after losing the case, the department procured Fluid Systems Botswana to repair and test the rig, adding that the work was expected to be completed by the first half of the year barring the unforeseen.

Lobatse MP, Mr Nehemiah Modubule had asked the minister to brief Parliament on the status of the Edson drill rig which was bought from Australia for the department and to further state where this machinery was kept and why.  ENDS