23 Jan 2018

Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) projects implemented by the North West District Council (NWDC) are reported to be progressing well.

The council was allocated over P139 million to carry out projects under  the programme for the financial year 2016/17 to 2018/19 financial year and the funds were used to carry out primary school backlog eradication in eight primary schools in the district.

The council secretary, Mr Charles Amos revealed in an interview that even though the projects started late September last year but it was pleasing as they were on track.

The projects include construction of classrooms, ablution blocks and teachers' houses in some primary schools in various schools such as Chanoga, Letsholathebe, Botswelelo, Disana, Matlola and Tawana and some in the

Okavango Sub -district.He said the currently constructed 20 houses were at the roofing stage while the ablution blocks and staff houses were at window level adding that they expected all the project to be completed by April this year.

Mr Amos observed that there was smooth procurement of material hence impressive progress.

Some of the challenges, he mentioned included non-availability of production labour team but stated that they managed to discuss the issue and they had experienced an improvement.

He also revealed that progress in construction of destitute and Rural Area Dwellers Programme (RADP) houses was satisfactory.

He stated that most of the projects were awarded to local artisans after thorough consultations with Village Development Committees.

In areas which lacked capacity, he said they approached small contractors which also hired the locals.The project is implemented in all RADP settlements in the district and expected to be completed by April.  

In Okavango District, Mr Amos appreciated the level of performance by the contractors noting that they were at an advanced stage as all the houses were at the roofing level.

All the housing units should have fence, standpipes and also toilets but the council had to prioritise due to inadequate budget. The council secretary said if funds permited, they intended to fence all the projects.

However, Mr Amos appealed to other stakeholders such as the community, business community and private companies to extend a helping hand to the beneficiaries in order to meet their expectations.

On other projects, he reported that the internal roads pavement in Maun had started and most projects were going well. Some of the internal roads he mentioned include, the paving access roads in Thito, Wanela, Boseja, Matlapana . ENDS