04 Jul 2017

The Maun- based assistant council secretary, Ms Moshekwa Welfing has dismissed reports that the council has delayed construction of camps at Lake Ngami.

The Lake Ngami Conservation Trust had earlier blamed the council for delaying construction of camps at the lake.

Ms Welfing revealed that the trust manager requested the council architects to advise on bill of quantities but initially the trust had engaged department of Buildings and Engineering Services (DBES) to assist on the same issue.

She said the agreement with the trust manager was to let DBES to finish the assignment and if they were tied up, the council could come on board and assist. 

“The delay was not on our side as we are willing and ready to help where possible to ensure the project kick starts,” she added.

However, in the recent interview, the trust chairperson, Ms Helmy Bokhutlo stated that initially their plan was to start construction beginning of July this year but things did not go according to plan because they could not carry on with the project without a report on bill of quantities.

She explained that there had been a delay to get the advice on bill of quantities and start the project.

Ms Bokhutlo said the project budget had been approved and would be funded to the tune of P1 million. 

The project is  being funded by the Office of the President.

She revealed that once the architect’s report is complete, the board would work on the tender processes, noting that the aim was to start with the ablution blocks then construction of camps.

Ms Bokhutlo is hopeful that before end of the year, the project would be completed as their intention was to do away with temporary structures and keep fishermen in permanent camps.

She assured fishermen that come March next year everything would be in order. ENDS