01 Nov 2017

Construction of the P88 million Semolale police station will contribute to peace and tranquility, not only in Semolale, but the entire Bobirwa Sub-district, says Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project on Monday, Mr Nonofo Molefhi said upon completion it would make a difference in the lives of people in the area given its proximity to Zimbabwe, and the challenges of cross border crime.

Mr Molefhi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Selibe Phikwe East, said the project challenged those charged with the responsibility to execute it to adhere to all the conditions and specifications outlined in the contract.

He urged those charged with the responsibility to take them seriously and to abide by the obligations, adding that it had become common that some contractors tendered for government projects on the basis of the tender document given to them, and never raise any issues about their inadequacy.

“As government, we engage the private sector to augment our capacity, but it has become evident that some from private companies want to be policed by government officers to perform their duties,” he said.

He promised residents of Semolale that his ministry would ensure that the project was delivered as per the contractual obligations and within schedule.

Mr Molefhi added that the expansion of the police station was relevant looking at the anticipated movement of people upon the completion of the Platjan Border Bridge enroute to Zimbabwe via the Mabolwe Border Post.

He hailed the project, noting that for two years it would create employment to the local people, and commended residents for being patient with government while waiting for the project to be delivered.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Dikagiso Mokotedi said the contractor, GSP, was awarded the tender for the construction of the police station with associated works that include high cost, medium cost and low cost double story housing units for police officers. He added that the new developments would give Semolale a facelift.

Mr Mokotedi noted that construction started in August this year, and that the contractor was expected to deliver the project in August 2019. He implored those that would be employed to respect their duties so that it could be delivered on time.

Mr Anil Patel of GSP construction promised to deliver the project within the stipulated time, stating that it was not the first time his company was involved in a mega project. He added that they had been engaged to construct housing units before.

Mr Patel stated that they would deliver a quality work on time.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Bobonong, Mr Shaw Kgathi said the project was long awaited in Semolale, Mabolwe and Gobojango.

Mr Kgathi said the area was characterised by high crime rates, noting that in 2008 and 2009 there were 141 and 114 cases recorded respectively by police.

Mr Kgathi, who is also Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, said stock theft cases coupled with Foot and Mouth Disease were a concern in the area.

He thanked government for listening to the concerns of the people that called for the construction of the police station, the deployment of Special Support Group members and Botswana Defence Force personnel to control cross border crime along the border with Zimbabwe.

Upon completion, he said police officers would be increased from 20 to 50 to combat crime.

Mr Kgathi also implored the contractor to participate in corporate social responsibility as a way of ploughing back to the community. BOPA