10 Feb 2019

Parliament has been informed that the P239.1-million Thalamabele-Mosu road project will start on February 14.

Minister of Transport and Communications, Ms Dorcas Makgato said the road project had been approved for awarding by the PPADB on November 29 last year.

Ms Makgato said the scope entailed construction of the road from Thalamabele Veterinary Gate to Mosu kgotla, an access road to Makgadikgadi Junior Secondary School and an access road to Mosu Primary School.

About the Mandunyane-Mathangwane road, Minister Makgato explained that project tender documents had been submitted to PPADB for vetting, while the roads department, together with other stakeholders had started the process of assessment of all the affected properties.

Regarding ther project scope, she said it entailed construction of the main road from Mmandunyane to Mathangwane, inclusive of all access roads to schools, clinics, dikgotla of all the villages and road over rail-bridge at Chadibe.

Minister Makgato highlighted that the budget for the construction of Mmandunyane-Shashe Mooke-Borolong-Chadibe and Mathangwane including access roads to Natale and Makobo villages would cost P723 million.

These costs, she further explained, included the cost estimate for the expropriation of affected property and relocation of services amounting to P35 million.

Touching on the Orapa-Mokubilo resurfacing, he told the house that it had been budgeted for over P35.7 million and expected to start in April.

The project scope comprises of pothole patching, resurfacing and road marking of the existing deteriorated bituminous road, she added.

She pointed out that the project was currently at the adjudication stage.

She said although planned for in the financial year 2018/19, it experienced some delays in the procurement processes.

The projects, the minister said, would have a favourable impact on economic development as it would provide establishment of new business opportunities and related job creation; envisaged growth in the formal sector, reduction in travel time and road user costs as well as availing of public transport and therefore increased road safety.

Member of Parliament for Boteti-East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked the minister to give an update on the Thalamabele-Mosu road, Mandunyane-Mathangwane road and the Orapa-Mokubilo road resurfacing project.

Mr Lelatisitswe further enquired on the commencement, budget and the likely impact of these projects on the livelihood of the communities upon completion. ENDS