08 Mar 2020

Construction of Maun High Court signifies government’s commitment to projects that will make a difference to their lives.

Speaking during ground breaking event, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the project was in line with Vision 2036 agenda of governance, peace and security.

The agenda sought to achieve a land of peace, freedom and progressive governance, thereby propelling the country into a high-income country by 2036.

The project was awarded to a citizen owned contractor, Tachizhou Company, at the tune of over P9 million.

The project scope comprised two court rooms with judges’ chambers, offices for support staff, civil and criminal registries, the master’s office with a boardroom and an administration block. Other additional work included pavement, covered carports, aerial lighting, information communication technology (ICT) works and sewer reticulation.

Mr Mmusi said establishment of the project as well as the commercial court and other envisaged reforms by the Judiciary would certainly facilitate the speedy resolution of cases.

In that regard, Mr Mmusi said government was ready and committed to ensuring that Batswana received the highest quality of service possible.

“It is for this reason that government continues to resource the Administration of Justice to create an enabling environment for efficient and expedient delivery of justice, even under the difficult economic environment we have experienced over the years,” he said.

He said the ministry supported facilitatition of reforms and initiatives, which would lead the country in the trajectory of a conducive and stable environment to attract and retain foreign direct investment.

Mr Mmusi urged the contractor  to deliver a value for money quality product as per the agreed specifications.

He stated that there was a tendency by unscrupulous contractors to deliver sub-standard work, much to dismay of the taxpayer who shouldered the cost of poor workmanship, thereby depriving users the long awaited high court services.

The minister urged technical units to discharge their oversight roles vigilantly to ensure that the structure was inspected at every stage

For his part, Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile appreciated government efforts in bringing judicial services closer to the Ngamiland community.

The community, he said, travelled long distances to Francistown, Lobatse and Gaborone, adding that was tantamount to having been denied justice considering the high costs involved.

Mr Kekgonegile appreciated that government listened to the community’s plea.

He also appealed to the contractor to engage local sub-contractors and also procure material locally where possible.

In terms of recruitment, Mr Kekgonegile appreciated that the contractor had indicated that he would bring few skilled labour and the rest would be recruited locally.

He said it was worrisome as some companies had been exacerbating unemployment locally as they brought along labour. Ends