28 Feb 2018

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Nonofo Molefhi says progress so far made by contractors engaged to do government projects at Shakawe is satisfactory.

The projects include the construction of Mohembo Bridge and Shakawe Primary Hospital.

He expressed happiness in an interview after touring the projects to appreciate progress noting that he believed the contractors would double their efforts as they had mobilised the required material and manpower.

The two projects commenced in different years but the minister said all were on track.

The P309 million 70- bed Shakawe Primary Hospital project construction started last year April and is envisaged to end in September 2019.

Mr Molefhi said it was crucial for contractors to understand that they were doing the projects on behalf of Batswana hence the need to deliver up to the expectations.

The projects, he said were implemented to serve the community adding that the hospital was awaiting to reduce congestion at Gumare and Letsholathebe hospitals.

The minister expressed disappointment about some contractors that diverted resources to other things noting that affected the cash flow such  contractors.

Mr Molefhi said despite efforts to promote local empowerment, some contractors continued to frustrate government in development process.

The minister also toured the agricultural service centre in Gumare which he said was behind schedule.

He said the handing over was scheduled for April this year but currently the project was at foundation level as the contractor had put a slab only.

Another project which frustrated the minister was the construction of Ministry of Health and Wellness staff houses at Disaneng which was reported to be at 79 per cent.

The minister was not happy with progress which was reported to be three per cent since his visit November last year.

He was surprised to find the site very quiet with few workers.

Mr Molefhi warned the officers that the contractor may have to decide to make a loss out of the project by engaging another contractor to complete the project on their behalf but assured them to share his views with the owner of the company.

The minister said government was tired of entertaining contractors who promised to offer high quality services but ended up building substandard structures and causing delay in completion.

When briefing the minister, the project manager, Mr David Muwoo explained that lack of activity at the site was due to scarcity of resources hence skeletal workers.

He reported that they had  been waiting for material to arrive promising that very soon business would be normal as they had received some material.

He said officers from their head office had talked to some people to bring more equipment sometime this week. Ends