20 Mar 2018

Legislators have complained about poor quality road infrastructure projects, unfinished works and costs overruns.

Commenting on the Ministry of Transport and Communications budget proposals amounting to over P4.6 billion for 2018/2019 as presented by Minister Kitso Mokaila, they said the ministry was not getting value for money in most of the projects because of poor workmanship.

MP for Moshupa-Manyana, also the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said he was happy for the envisaged Mosetse-Kazungula Railway link that would expand the national rail network.

Mr Masisi said the major roads in the northern Botswana that include Nata, Maun, Shakawe, Kasane should be improved owing to the vehicle population in them.

Mr Masisi further called for construction of collapsed bridges in his constituency and further said he was happy for the upcoming Lotlhakane West road.

MP for Mahalapye West, Mr Joseph Molefe called for improved services at Botswana Postal Services for payments of Tirelo Setshaba participants.

He also called on government to demolish asbestos houses at Botswana Railways to build permanent structures for employees. Mr Molefe further called for decongestion of the Department of Transport and Road Services at Mahalapye.

MP Thapelo Olopeng of Tonota said unregistered sim cards were a cause for concern as people use them for criminal activities, hence the need to formulate a law that would safeguard usage of such.

He further called for a new post office in Tonota and urged government to maintain the A1 Road as well as Francistown-Semotswane and Mandunyane road.

Molepolole South legislator, Dr Tlamelo Mmatli said he was disappointed that there was nothing for road infrastructure development for Molepolole.

MP for Serowe North, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse said his constituents had long been waiting for the Tshimoyapula Mabeleapudi-Serule Road that was earmarked for construction under the ESP programme, and never materialised. He said he acknowledged the delays due to tender adjudication, but noted that residents should be updated accordingly.

Maun East MP, Mr Konstantinos Markus called for improved Air Botswana services to Maun and that Maun residents yearn for a rail transport as the rail line was already in existence.

MP for Tlokweng, Mr Masego Segokgo complained about tariffs for cellular phones and that regulations should be enforced. He further said the Tlokweng-Zeerust highway was not properly constructed and was prone to accidents due to water stagnation on the road during rainy periods.

Mr Segokgo further said there was confusion among motorists because of improper programming traffic lights at the same intersections.

MP for Kgalagadi South, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen said budget for national road network was not enough because in six years’ time at the end of the current NDP, there would be more problems with regards to roads network.

He said roads from Kokotsha and Makopong needed serious maintenance, but noted that re-sealing should be applied in the meantime.

“The road is becoming so dilapidated and is causing serious accidents,” he said. He also called for construction of a satellite post office at Makopong to also cater for people from Draaihoek.

Maun West MP, Kgosi Tawana Moremi said roads in his constituency were in a bad state and that cellphone network providers charges were ridiculously too high.

MP for Thamaga-Kumakwane, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo called for expansion of the post office in Thamaga as the current one was congested. He further called for an update on the Kubung road construction.

Boteti East MP, Mr Slumber Tsogwane called for affirmative action regarding the construction of roads at Makalamabedi to Motopi, which he said had been neglected for a long time.

MPs for Shashe West and Mmathethe-Molapowabojang, Mr Fidelis Molao and Dr Alfred Madigele complained that most roads in their constituencies were not visible in the proposed budget for 2018/2019. ENDS