02 Nov 2016

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen, has implored local contractors to subscribe to project efficiency.

Speaking during the handing over of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) projects at Bothakga Primary School on Tuesday, the assistant minister said contractors are often struggling with the balance between time, cost and quality hence he encouraged them to develop a clearer view on project efficiency and effectiveness so that it can help them to improve their service delivery as well as to improve customer satisfaction.

He noted that the country’s economy had been grappling with the aftermath of economic meltdown and ESP was introduced as a robust action plan meant to specifically stimulate economic growth, accelerate job creation as well as promote economic diversification.

He said their ministry benefited from ESP as it helped in infrastructure development. He commended Ramogotsi Investment (Pty) Ltd and GRD Construction for their efforts in completing their assigned ESP projects on time and within budget.

He said ESP projects must benefit locals as much as possible such that these projects should be awarded to citizen owned companies and that local products and materials must be used on the projects.

Mr Van der Westhuizen lauded Lobatse Town Council (LTC) for engaging local companies like Ramogotsi Investment (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the  one by two classroom and two by nine metre cubicle toilet blocks within a period of 26 weeks, operating with 36 temporary employees budgeted at the total cost of over P3million.

He asserted that locally produced bricks were used during the construction of the projects while the rest came from Gaborone and none was procured from outside the country.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Lobatse town mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger lauded MLGRD for the construction of classrooms especially at Bothakga Primary School since it had special education unit and they were faced with shortage of classrooms.

She pleaded with the ministry to consider increasing classroom quotas where possible to accommodate increasing numbers of students in other schools and other crucial infrastructure such as customary court facilities.

In his word of appreciation, director of education southern region, Mr Acro  Maseko, lauded the ministry for working on improving their learning environment conditions such as the construction of ablution blocks and classrooms.
 He said the improved learning conditions would possibly lead to better academic performance across the country.

Mr Maseko also lauded LTC leadership for their contribution in supporting schools in their locality through initiatives such as community service days.

He said the leadership mended school tables and chairs and in that way the government saved a lot of money to procure new equipment.

In his closing remarks, Woodhall ward councillor, Mr Molaodi Mantle lauded the two engaged contractors for their efforts to complete their scope of work within time and budget.

 He also extended his appreciation to LTC for meeting their service standards in terms of contractors’ payments saying that way, companies would be encouraged to deliver their services effectively and efficiently.ENDS