Addressing a press conference at the Mass Media Complex on  May 10, Mr Malatsi said the relaxation of lockdown restrictions on infrastructure sector would cover the construction of houses, office blocks, civil works, bridges, culverts, water infrastructure, pump stations as well as maintenance works.

Other projects will include the construction or maintenance of education facilities, Self Help Housing Agency (SHAA) houses, roads works and road maintenance, pipe laying and water supply operations.

Mr Malatsi said during the first phase of the lockdown the sector had been active only through the usage of skeletal staff in operating emergency works necessary for public good, as well as the assessing and issuance of permits.

Having consulted stakeholders in the private sector, the ministry is now implementing the partial easing of lockdown subject to COVID-19 health protocols which include the washing of hands, the mandatory use of face masks, social distancing and keeping an inventory of people entering construction sites.

With the resumption of construction works, including one parson contractors, preceded by the procurement of safety, health and environment (SHE) equipment, thermometers, face masks, protective gloves, sanitisers and optional protective coats.

SHE officers would need to be inducted by the district health management team (DHMT) and the site offices as well as plant equipment would need to be disinfected, Mr Malatsi revealed, while the site feeding and transportation arrangements would also have to comply with regulations.

Among the conditions of operation is that employees have to be regularly screened, and there should be a registration of people entering the construction site.

Meanwhile the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka said they would also be engaged in the phased reopening of services, under guidance from the Director of Health Services as well as the COVID-19 Presidential Task Team.

Ms Khumotaka said the survey for registration of titles, property valuation, conveyancing, deeds registration, property management and lease management are some of the services that will be offered under the land service sector.

Under the water sector, the operation and maintenance of bulk water transfer infrastructure, water supply and distribution, sanitation services, borehole services, as well as boat registration and spraying will be operational. ENDS