24 Apr 2016

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) launched the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) in Selebi Phikwe on Saturday.

When launching the ESP, Minister of LGRD, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said his ministry would oversee the implementation of a number of projects in the country.

He said the projects included the construction of 401 classrooms, 1208 toilets in different schools, 486 teachers’ houses and 30 customary courts through the programme across the country.

He said local construction companies had been engaged to pursue the projects. He further said the motive behind the ESP was to stimulate the economy, diversify the economy through the Economic Diversification Drive mandate and Special Economic Zones and to accelerate job creation.

He explained that his ministry through local authorities would be monitoring the projects being undertaken by local contractors. He said in Selebi Phikwe 12 teachers houses would be built in Phase 2, a classroom block for reception classes would be constructed at Lapologang primary school as well as a block of eight normal standard classrooms.

The minister said another block of classrooms and a block of toilets would be built at Boswelakgomo primary school while at the Phase 1 Education Centre, eight teachers’ houses would be constructed. He indicated that in total 20 teachers’ houses, four classroom blocks and one ablution block would be constructed under the programme in the mining town.

He urged local contractors who had been given tenders to pursue jobs through the ESP to adhere to project specifications.

He said they should complete the projects on specified time, budget and according to the qualified standards of how the project should be when complete.

Mr Tsogwane noted that companies owned by locals have been engaged to benefit from the initiative so that they intern create employment for other locals.

Meanwhile during the launch, Mr Keorapetse Manyaapelo from Black Rubie Properties who was representing companies contracted to pursue projects under the ESP in Selebi Phikwe, applauded the government for introducing the ESP.

He commended government for engaging local construction companies in such projects. He said they will pursue the projects according to specifications, budget and also strive to complete the projects in time.

He further urged his colleagues to fulfill their contracts as specified. He called on them to abide by the Labour Laws and Regulations and always pay their workers in time and accordingly.

When giving a vote of thanks, Minister of Infrastructure Science and Technology who is also Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe East, Mr Nonofho Molefhi acknowledged the MLGRD for Launching the ESP in Selebi Phikwe.

He said Selebi Phikwe needed such developments to stimulate the economy of the mining town.

He said he expected all the projects to be complete by April 2017 as specified.

He said the projects will reduce shortage of accommodation for teachers which the mining town has been facing, increase the number of ablution blocks in schools around the mining town.

He said every tender for the construction projects had been awarded in a transparent manner. ENDS