19 Jan 2020

Member of Parliament for Ramotswa has said some contractors are to blame for delayed development projects as they pursue recourse after losing tenders.

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Taung, Mr Lefoko Moagi said this had negatively affected projects earmarked for the village, as a tender was awarded for road development, but one contractor took the matter to the courts after losing the tender.

The MP said this could have ripple effects due to cost escalations emanating from inflation.

He said in some cases, the contractors appeal against the award of tenders even when they had failed to submit all the required papers.

Mr Moagi welcomed the development of Boatle junction, but cautioned motorists to be careful when using the newly developed A1 dual carriageway by obeying all road signs and markings.

He said he was aware of the poor state of Boatle – Ramotswa road, but said he was in constant talks with the minister responsible, adding it should at least be resurfaced.

The MP said funds had been sourced for the development of the road from Sefalana to Tarshy’s Garden, an area known as Gamarete, and said it included the development of storm water drainage system.

He further appealed for paving of internal roads to be allocated to youth-owned companies who however have a good track record.

MP Moagi encouraged the Village Development Committee to lure investors in the village, saying there were a number of opportunities available.

Taung has a railway line, along the A1 road and has a number of factory shells and therefore has a comparative advantage in attracting businesses.

Meanwhile, Mr Moagi, who is also the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, has appealed to Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiaries to service their loans, saying failure to do so denied others the opportunities to start their own businesses.

He said the YDF was supposed to be a revolving fund, adding that they were requested to pay off only 50 per cent of the total amount loaned, as the other half was a grant.

For their part, the residents welcomed the developments earmarked for their area, especially Gamarete road. Ends