02 Nov 2020

Government has included Sehithwa/Mohembo road under the economic recovery transformation plan, says the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo.

Mr Segokgo told Shakawe village leadership during a meeting that government was equally concerned about the bad status of the road, hence it was prioritised and included in the said plan.

The plan, he said, aimed to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, support businesses and underpin the restoration of economic growth.

The leadership learnt that initially, the road was not included in NDP 11, but government had recognised its importance in stimulating the economic growth. 

Mr Segokgo said funding of the project would be requested during the budget session.

He appreciated that the road condition was an eyesore to Ngamiland political leadership as well as many road users; as they were always sending pictures to him, hence they acted swiftly.

In addition, the minister revealed that government was undertaking a massive multi-billion project of Mohembo Bridge construction and ‘there was no how we can invest in such a project and fail to take road infrastructure into consideration’.

Mr Segokgo urged residents to remain calm as efforts were underway to improve the road condition, further explaining that his ministry was responsible for major roads while internal roads were taken care of by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

He also underscored the need to have information, communication technology (ICT) services, noting that it seemed residents focused much on construction of roads. 

The new normal, he said, had necessitated the use of ICT as a way of improving service delivery in a smart and efficient way.

Minister Segokgo stated that both road and ICT infrastructure development were fundamental to sustainable economic growth.  

He cited the launching of the BoFiNet Internet Protocol Television Service (IPTV) that was launched by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi recently, noting that the technology could benefit all including those in rural areas.

The initiative, he said, was for Botswana storytelling and entertainment and urged all to take advantage of it as it would help Botswana to transform and diversify its economy through ICT.

Earlier, deputy chief Mutemo Mbambo told the minister and his entourage that Shakawe village was growing fast, hence the need to fast-track road infrastructure, noting that currently, there were no internal roads. 

He also requested the minister to ensure there was proper monitoring of projects undertaken in the district, siting Mohembo Bridge, stating that it was crucial for the minister to visit them to appreciate progress and motivate the contractor.

MP for Okavango, Mr Kenny Kapinga thanked the minister for the visit, saying it showed government’s will to address issues of concern among the communities.

He appreciated that the minister came to appreciate Sehithwa/Mohembo road and progress at the Mohembo Bridge. 

The road, he said, was bad as big trucks had exacerbated the situation due to development boom in Shakawe such as construction of supermarkets, big projects and shopping complexes, noting the trucks used the road daily to deliver material and goods.

Mr Kapinga urged residents to remain hopeful as government had prioritised the road, which he said was expected to boost the local economy. 

He was optimistic the next budget session would include the construction of the said road.

With regard to ICT, he said youngsters were passionate about the use of ICT, but it was unfortunate as connectivity in the village was a challenge. 

The area MP also noted that he had learnt that construction of the bus rank was in the offing and that it would be constructed next to the airport. 

Mr Kapinga requested that the design of project implementation match the proximity and the international airport standard. 

In response, Minister Segokgo pointed out that they had not designated the airport construction as international, but stated that it was his belief that it should be of high standard. 

He also stated that the bus rank would be of a high standard. ENDS