27 Jul 2016

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen, says  major maintenance of Ntshe House in Francistown has not been done since occupation of the building.

The assistant minister informed Parliament on July 25 that  reactive maintenance of wear and tear has been and continues to be attended to as and when the need arise. He further said in 2015/16, the roof was maintained at a cost of P952 604.80 following a storm that blew away part of the roof.  He added that the works included securing the whole roof, laying water proof on the whole decking above the library and introduction of expansion joints.

In addition, Mr Van Der Westhuizen said the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology has in liaison with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development  completed assessment of each office within Ntshe House to ascertain the scope of maintenance works and related costs as well as to prioritize the works.

“Major scope of work includes air conditioning, elevators, replacement of doors, ceiling and floor covering, attending to roof leakages and painting,” he said. He said the preparation of invitation to tender for building, electrical and mechanical works is on-going and the maintenance works are expected to start by October 2016.

The MP, for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy, wanted to know if the minister was aware of the dilapidated state of affairs of Ntshe House in Francistown because the air conditioners are not functional, tiles are pulling off, doors have no locks and lifts are not functional. Ends