21 Feb 2016

The delay in the reconstruction of the road at Seoposengwe near Boatle which started in November 2015 and was due for completion in January 2016 was caused by the contractor's poor performance.

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo said there was no illumination in the area, but that adequate signage had been placed to give information to motorists.

He said the project was awarded to JWR Civils as an extension or variation of the Boatle-Mankgodi Reseal Project. “Due to challenges that we have with the contractor, we have resolved to terminate the contract and procure an alternative contractor to complete the remaining works which are estimated to take four weeks,” said Mr Mabeo.

He said in the meantime a grader and a bowser have been deployed to grade the bypass regularly.

Mr Mabeo noted that the tarring of the detour was not included in the tender as the works were expected to be completed within a short time.

He said accident statistics for the section of the road between the Christmas holidays and after was nine, and that there was no fatal or serious accidents recorded, but that there was one minor accident with two minor injuries.

The MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana had asked the minister why it had taken so long for the road at Seoposengwe near Boatle to be repaired and how many accidents occurred on that road during the Christmas holidays and after.

He also wanted to know why there was no illumination at the road works site and which company was awarded the tender.

He further asked whether tarring of the detour was not included in the tender, and if so, why the detour was not tarred as the gravel damages people’s vehicles. Ends