21 Mar 2016

The Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele, yesterday kickstarted construction of the P51.3 million 4.9km Phakalane/Glen Valley link road.

The road would also extend to Ginger traffic circle by a single asphalt overlay of 2.5 km.

Mr Maele said this road, which will take six months to complete, would reduce congestion along the A1 Road and further increase prospects of economic prosperity in the city through job creation

He said the road, which is done under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), was part of the ministry’s accelerated land servicing projects that would also see the ministry undertaking in a total of 25 projects. 

Of these projects, 21 would be minimal projects while four bulk projects would be undertaken in Kasane, Kgatleng, Ramotswa and Francistown. 

Before the Phakalane/Glen Valley  project came to being,  he said, a road traffic survey was undertaken and showed that over 18 000 vehicles passed by the traffic light in front of Phakalane Estate while over 11 000 vehicles entered into Phakalane daily something that called for an alternative route to that area. 

The road, according to the minister, would have an overlay from Glen Valley to Ginger traffic circle, which would be demolished as well as BBS traffic circle and replaced with traffic lights for easy traffic control. 

Phakalane link road would also include construction of storm water drainage and solar powered street lights. 

The road starts from Mowana Park Mall in Phakalane Estates.

Bothakga Burrow Botswana managing director, Mr Arthur Siwawa, promised to deliver the project on time, noting that the quality of work would not be compromised more so that the 100 per cent citizen owned company had a good track record. 

The company, which also subcontracted another citizen owned company, would employ 80 people. 

For his part, Phakalane Estate managing director Mr Lesang Magang, said this road would enhance economic and tourism activities in the area and further called for the road to be extended to Ruretse as it would keep the level of dust that emanated from the road at low levels.

Mr Magang said upon completion, it should be maintained on a regular basis, noting that the development was a welcome gesture on the part of government.