23 Nov 2017

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso says the Ramotswa/Boatle Road (near Taung Bridge) was closed from October 16, 2017 to November 10, 2017 to allow for the construction of the road that was affected by floods.

Answering a question in Parliament, Ms Tshireletso said the road was in a bad and deteriorating condition; hence the need for maintenance. 

She said there was no other time to carry out maintenance because the contract for the project was assigned on August 30, 2017, after the initial supplier of material (kerbstone) turned down the offer citing under-quoting pricing as the reason for declining the tender.

The assistant minister said the project was re-tendered and the procurement process was concluded on August 29, 2017. 

She said it was prudent to carry out the maintenance work before the next rainy season.

Ms Tshireletso however said the decision was made by her ministry through relevant council committees (finance, works and performance monitoring) held on August 16, 2017. 

She further said since there was no budget to maintain the road, the ministry took a decision  to carry emergency maintenance of the road because it was in a bad state.

She said all stakeholders were aware of the emergency works on the road and alternative routes were provided.

The community of Ramotswa was also updated on the progress of the road through kgotla meeting.

She said updates were also made to the MP by council through the phone and through formal briefings at MP’s office with the last meeting held on October 30, 2017.

The assistant minister said to date they had not received any reports from regional education office of any disruptions on their programme during the period of examination writing.

MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana had asked why Ramotswa/Boatle Road was closed for maintenance during school examination time and whether there was no other time to do maintenance.

The MP further wanted to know who made the decision that inconvenienced students and school programmes. ENDS