23 Nov 2015

The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has told Parliament that the vehicle for the Letlhakane District Labour Office, BX 08 4931, was found to have overheated and required engine overhaul in December 2011. He noted that it was sent for repairs at a private garage in Francistown in February 2012.

He said the vehicle stayed for three and a half years because the garage could not complete the works as agreed with Central Transport Organisation (CTO).

The minister said the vehicle has since been withdrawn in July 2015 after the garage closed down, and that it was currently at Mahalapye CTO with the same problem. He added that an assessment of whether the vehicle should be repaired was ongoing.

He said the total purchasing amount for the vehicle was P 257 275 and that the total amount paid to the said garage was P37 451 for repairs.He further said the agreement on repairs of the vehicle was made on behalf of the ministry by the Central Transport Organisation through the tendering process which was procedurally awarded to the garage.

“The District Labour Office will be considered for allocation of a new vehicle along with others once this current vehicle is boarded.

At  present the office shares a vehicle with the departments of Immigration and Citizenship and Civil and National Registration,” Mr Batshu said.The MP for Boteti East had asked the minister if he was aware that the vehicle for Letlhakane Labour Office was sent for repairs at a private garage in Francistown four years ago, and that up to now it has not been returned, and if so, to state the amount the government has spent on this issue at the same garage to date.

He also wanted to know the amount the car was purchased and the agreement between the ministry and the garage, and also to state when the Letlhakane office will be allocated a new vehicle. Ends