09 Jul 2013

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Johnnie Swartz says the difference in construction costs of Good Hope, Nata, Shakawe, Mmadinare and Mogoditshane senior schools was due to the increase in construction market prices, among other things.

Answering a question from Palapye MP, Mr Moiseraele Goya, who had asked the minister how much was spent in the construction of each school and whether the price variations were in excess of P1million, Mr Swartz also said different scopes in respect of utilities and substantial variance in foundation design requirements  also contributed to the costs.

Mr Swartz explained that the designs for the schools were generally based on the Good Hope Senior Secondary School, which was the first to be built and the variance between Good Hope Senior Secondary School and each of the other schools was more than P1million.

“Factors such as the remoteness of project locations, increase in VAT from ten percent to twelve percent and the industry boom experienced just before 2010 world cup all had an impact on the cost of these projects,” he said.

He explained that in Shakawe there were sandy soils which had to be removed and replaced with imported material while in Mmadinare the terrain required a special type of foundation design.

He said it should be noted that all projects were less than originally awarded amounts due to rigorous monitoring and checks put in place by my ministry. ENDS