23 Aug 2018

Phuduhudu residents in the Ngamiland district have hailed government’s decision to re-construct Phuduhudu /Makalamabedi road, which forms part of the A3 high way.

Residents have long complained about the bad state of the road which connects their village and Maun as it was said to have exceeded its lifespan. They said the re-construction of the road would open doors for more development.

They appreciated the decision during a kgotla meeting addressed by Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Kitso Mokaila who informed them that the tender for the 46km road project had been awarded.

The project, he said had been awarded to IW Building Construction Limited to the tune of P73 million and currently the contractor is said to be organising himself as he has to start the road afresh.

The project will start on September 10, this year and expected to be completed in 12 months.

Mr Mokaila told the residents that government was equally concerned with bad status of some of the roads across the country hence the decision to maintain them adding that although many needed re-construction,that was impossible due to financial constraints.

He cited roads such as Francistown/Nata, Nata/Maun and Sehithwa/Mohembo, which he said needed urgent attention as they all lead to tourism destinations but a decision was taken to construct the 46km which runs between Phuduhudu and Makalamabedi turn off.

“This road leads to the tourism hub, used by many and there is a need to ensure it is passable hence we gave it priority amongst others,” he added.

He said the project would boost the tourism sector in the Ngamiland region and also contribute meaningfully to the economy.

He also revealed that the project would create employment opportunities for the locals and urged residents to be prepared. 

The minister also urged residents to think outside the box and take advantage of the project stating that they could consider venturing into tourism projects to improve their livelihoods.

Mr Mokaila said the village trust could also consider building houses for rent once hunting ban was lifted.

Earlier, Kgosi Johane Ngwengare concurred with residents that the road was beyond repair as it had big potholes of which some were used by elephants as watering points during the rainy season.

He welcomed the decision by the government to upgrade the road and hoped for good things to come.

Village Development Committee chairperson, Ms Boemo Lehuma appreciated government efforts to maintain the road and wished Zoroga/Nata road could also be attended to as it was bad.

She also requested government to consider constructing internal roads, install streetlights and putt up road signs along A3 road. She said their village was situated in the park which accommodated wildlife and there were no warning signs.

Ms Lehuma said they were terrorised by elephants and lions which roamed the village day and night and believed that streetlights and signs would alert them to be vigilant and spot them when walking around.

“We are living in a danger zone and we request government to consider our plea,” she added.

Mr Mazingo Tlhapi said they had long requested for a bridge that connects Phuduhudu and Moreomaoto as they could use the road as shortcut to access services at Rakops and Letlhakane.

Responding to the issue of internal roads, Mr Mokaila said his ministry was working jointly with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development which is responsible for internal roads to see how best they could plan together.

With regard to a bridge, he said it was a good idea and stated that it was part of the ministry’s plan to decongest big roads where possible by constructing shortcuts.

For his part, the area MP, Mr Kostantinos Markus assured residents that P1.5 million from the constituency funding would be put aside for pavement of internal roads next year. ENDS