30 Aug 2017

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, through the Central District Council, has handed over a site for the Tutume infrastructure development project to the contractor, Thiite Rubble Screeners.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Tutume on August 29, deputy permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr Nchidzi Mmolawa said the P272 million project has three components which include construction of three bridges, internal roads that includeded storm water drainage and street lighting.

The project, he said, was scheduled to be completed in 30 months and was expected to be carried out within budget and within time. 

In addition, he stated that the project would be  done through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), and that it was one of the three under his ministry.

The other two to be undertaken in the 2017/18 financial year were in Gabane and Kang.

Mr Mmolawa said the monitoring plan would be implemented through site visits and  meetings with contractors where they could share experiences and challenges.

Furthermore, he implored community leadership to talk to residents to relocate to their new places so that the project could  commence on time as planned.

He pointed out that some setbacks in starting projects were due to delay in relocation by some residents  even when compensation had been made.

He appealed to the leadership to assist  in that regard so that there would not be any delays.

For his part, the contractor, Mr Johane Thiite said they were ready to take up the project and that machinery would be on site soon.

He urged the community to appreciate and welcome them since they would  be part of the community for almost three years.

He also appealed to parents to encourage their children who would seek employment to show determination and commitment in their work.

He said they had in the past experienced delays in completing projects due to absconding from duty by some locals.

Tutume Sub-district council chairperson, Mr Ishmael Mokgethi said they had waited for the projects for years and expressed delight at their commencement. ENDS