22 Oct 2020

 Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare, has expressed concern over delay in delivering Ghanzi mini stadium.

The project, which started in 2018, was funded by Olympia Africa, but funding model required government to contribute to show commitment.

As a result, Botswana  contributed to the project through community constituency funding.

The funds were used to build a perimeter wall, connection of utilities and sewage lines. 

The first phase of the project, which involved erection of boundary wall was at 40 per cent. Touring the site of the mini stadium on Monday, Rakgare stated that he was pained by the snail’s pace progress, adding that this denied young athletes an opportunity to shine. 

“Some youth will not benefit from this facility as they are getting old. 

There is a lot at stake, I can only plead with you to double your efforts and expedite its delivery,” Rakgare said.

The minister said delay of the completion of the facility was setting wrong precedence and this could lead to donors losing confidence on the country a. 

However, permanent sectary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture development, Kago Ramokate was also disappointed that the stadium was behind schedule. Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Marumo Morule,   said he would make the   project one of reporting items on their agenda list to make sure that it was ultimately delivered. 

He pledged that they would dedicate resources towards this gesture.

Acting chief executive officer (CEO) of BNSC, Tuelo Serufho was hopeful that the stadium would take shape especially that the team from Ghanzi recently went to benchmark in Moshupa.

Ghanzi deputy council secretary, Omphile Mosweu said initially it was decided that prefabs bricks would be used to construct perimeter wall, but community advocated for solid walls.

Mosweu stated that over P2.5 million had been allocated to the project’s first phase, which was the construction of perimeter wall, and so far over 1 million had already been spent.

He said the initial contractor for the first phase initiated that he could not go on with the work and after engaging relevant authorities the contractor’s work was valued and was paid accordingly.    

Mosweu said they had started another tendering processes and constituents’ contractors would benefit from this project.

“Before we break for Christmas we would have awarded the work, preferably to three contractors,” he said. 

ends