08 Sep 2016

Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Nonofo Molefhi says it is possible for projects to be delivered within budget and time.

Speaking during the handing over the extended National Stadium on Wednesday, Molefhi said the project, which started on January 2016 was scheduled to be completed on August this year and  that was achieved as per the initial schedule.

He said the project was a critical one, which could not be faltered due to its significance to Botswana's celebrations of independence.

“This project as you know, was one of the projects, which were identified as a risk towards our golden celebrations and it had potential to spoil this occasion, if not completed on time,” he said.

He noted that the aim of the project was to extend the seating capacity of the National Stadium by filling some gaps to increase the seating capacity from 20 000 to 23 000.

Meanwhile, Molefhi said his ministry continues to emphasise that contractors should always respect the contracts they sign with their clients being the government, in this case.

However, Molefhi commended Murray and Roberts for a job well done, adding that the contractor organised his resources to ensure that his personnel were kept to their tasks so as to meet contractual obligations.

He also encouraged other contractors to effectively deliver quality projects, within budget and on time to give clients value for money without having to get into legal processes, which were also costly. 

Upon accepting the stadium, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng extended his pleasure for the facility to be handed on time, noting that it would be taken care of so that it remains in good state for use at all times and ensuring its cleanliness.

Olopeng said though it was extended, it is not yet finished as there could be plans to roof the National Stadium to protect spectators from harsh weather conditions.

He also noted that it was now time to consider building another facility with bigger capacity suitable for Gaborone as the capital city, if funds permit.

Also, he commended the contractor for finishing within the expected time as that would allow for the independence celebrations to be held at the facility. 

For his part the chairperson of Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), Solly Reikeletseng appreciated the extension of the facility but stated that the 23 000 capacity is not enough to host other sports tournaments.

Thus, he pleaded with the ministers to consider building bigger facilities to enable the city to host bigger tournaments. Ends