25 Feb 2018

Local contractors have been warned to take projects awarded to them by government seriously in order to protect their reputation.

 

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Nonofo Molefhi said after a visit to old Maun General Hospital which is undergoing refurbishment. The facility is expected to be a 24-hour referral hospital with a maternity ward, transit staff accommodation and youth friendly services centre among others.

 

He stressed the need for contractors to up their game and strive for a good record, adding that what they delivered gave the true picture of what they were. He said their workmanship was future evidence for recommendation for new projects by government, hence the need to attain standard quality delivery within time frame and budget.

 

However, Mr Molefhi appreciated efforts made by the contractor on site, noting that the project was tricky because of its nature of being old, but advised him to do his best.

 

The minister was informed that the project was behind schedule due to the delay from government to appoint an electrical sub-contractor. The project commenced last year July and was expected to be completed July 2018.

 

Mr Molefhi emphasised the need for all parties including the ministry to work as a team for the success of the project, adding that they should always communicate so that they could be on the same page.

 

“It is important to inform the permanent secretary if our officers are failing you. You will not be reporting them but rather you will be alerting us about your progress,” he stressed.

 

The deputy permanent secretary responsible for infrastructure, Ms Halakagwa Mbulai also stressed the importance of communication. She said government did not award tenders to contractors to fail, hence the need to communicate well so that the other party could appreciate problems encountered.

 

Earlier on, the project architect, Mr Godfrey Manjoro informed the minister and his entourage that since his last year’s visit, there had been a slight movement in the project and mentioned the major factor which contributed to the delay as the absence of the electrical sub-contractor to do the electrical works.

 

He appreciated that most of the progress was not satisfactory because the contractor was unable to proceed with other works due to the delay to appoint the said contractor. He said the price had been negotiated and agreed on.

 

However, Mr Manjoro observed that the contractor seemed to be a bit relaxed, noting that the external works could have been started while awaiting for the appointment of the electrical contractor.

 

He also requested the ministry to increase the monthly payment up to P5 million, noting that currently the contractor was paid P1 million on monthly basis and thus also contributed to under- performance.

 

The contractor, Mr Edward Tlotlego concurred with Mr Manjoro that the major hold back was the electrical contractor. He revealed that currently, nine buildings had been roofed but they could not put up the ceiling and do the plastering as it would be a draw back when the electrical sub-contractor started his job. 

 

The remaining eight houses, he said would be roofed by end of March and also assured the minister to start on external works soon which included the sewerage water reticulation, internal roads and parking.

 

Mr Tlotlego also complained about the little they got on monthly basis, adding that the money was only for building works. He said the area where they needed increase in claims was plastering and putting up the ceiling. Ends