23 Oct 2017

Labourers engaged in construction projects in Maun are deserting work at a high rate.

Some construction companies told the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Nonofo Molefhi during his tour of the Old Maun General Hospital, which is being renovated and the health staff houses project in Disaneng ward.

Minister Molefhi however encouraged the labour office together with the community leadership such as dikgosi and councilors to engage in a dialogue with the young people who abscond from work.

Mr Molefhi noted that truancy was costly as it delayed the projects to complete on schedule while such employees also lost opportunities of upskilling.

The Old Maun General Hospital renovation project which started in July, is expected to be a 24-hour referral hospital with a maternity ward, transit staff accommodation and youth friendly services centre amongst others.

Site manager, Mr Mumba Innocent informed the minister and his entourage that some old structures would be renovated while new structures would be erected in extension of the existing structures.

Mr Innocent, however said the greatest challenge was of employees who abandoned their work for greener pastures which hampered progress as they had to re-hire.

The other challenge, he said was lack of an electrical contractor on site which has led to the project being behind schedule with about three weeks.

For his part, Dr Maxwell Mungisi of Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital said the Old General Hospital upon completion would accommodate health officers who are currently using temporary structures.

The health staff houses project in Disaneng which was supposed to have been completed in May 2016 was behind schedule and the issues of shortage of labourers was also cited as a main concern.

Site agent, Mr Bokang Phologolo of Katlego Investment said the project comprises 18 units of houses in Maun, two double storey buildings and six LA3 houses.

Their project, he said was also challenged by lack of labourers and materials as gravel which seemed to be in high demand in the district and lack of licensed burrow pits companies.

Mr Phologolo however said they had mitigation structures in place to ensure the project was completed although behind schedule. ENDS