12 Nov 2020

The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo, has told Parliament that rehabilitation of Serowe/Palapye road is planned to commence in January 2021.

Answering a question from Palapye legislator, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi, Minister Segokgo said the project was expected to be awarded in December, should there be no further complaints by bidders.

The minister explained that the procurement for resealing of the road was started in 2019, but some of the bidders appealed the decision that led to the award being suspended pending the resolution of complaints. He indicated that the Ministerial Tender Committee subsequently ordered that the tenders be re-evaluated.

He agreed that the status of the pot holes in the road was worrisome and explained that his ministry had engaged small contractors to attend to them.

Mr Segokgo said the department of roads conducted an assessment of Serowe/Palapye road in September, adding that the study identified eight sections that were over stressed and one failed section, comprising 8.5 kilometres.

He further said the remainder of the road comprising 30 kilometres over six tested sections was adjudged to be sound.

Mr Segokgo explained that the overstressed sections would need reconstruction while the rest required asphalt overlay, adding that the road was completed in 1983.

On commencement of the cattle control exercise, Minister Segokgo noted that his ministry does not have any plans to carry out the exercise but would continue repairing the road reserve fence and gates where necessary.

He said it should be emphasised that it was the responsibility of cattle owners to look after their cattle.

Mr Ramogapi had asked the minister to appraise Parliament on the status of Serowe/Palapye road.

He requested the minister to state the completion date, life span as well as the status of the pot holes on the road.

Mr Ramogapi had also wanted the minister to state the delay over the re-sealing of the road, timelines as to when it would be done and when the cattle control exercise would commence. ENDS