26 May 2021

Maun Administrative Authority (MAA) is reported to be experiencing backlog of projects funded under the Community Constituency Programme (CCP).

Updating councillors on CCP projects, the council chairperson, Mr Vepaune Moreti revealed that they had encountered challenges in implementation of the projects, citing five which were for drilling and equipping of boreholes at Thamalakane East, Dikgathong, Thito/Bombadi, Samedupi and Tsau-Xangoro.

The first four mentioned boreholes, he said, were 50 per cent complete in which the drilling component was achieved with contracts terminated afterwards. 

He also indicated that a waiver was sought and approved from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to engage non-registered local people with expertise in drilling and equipping of boreholes to complete the works.

Mr Moreti explained that currently, the tenders were at adjudication committee for consideration along with the Tsau-Xangoro borehole which had not yet started.

Furthermore, he informed the house that tenders for projects such as installation of cold rooms at Tsau and Toteng butcheries were on cooling period until end of May 2021 while equipping of Xaxaba borehole had been awarded with contract signing expected before end of May this year.

In addition, he said contractors were currently mobilising at site for construction of Bothatogo butchery and construction and modification of houses at Makakung with planned completion set for December 2021.

Other backlog projects, he mentioned included crafting of Environmental Management Plan for Khwai craft centre, Sehithwa Service Centre, Chanoga guest house, Riverside Orchard and picnic site in Maun, which is reported to be ongoing while Chanoga guest house was expected to be completed by end of May.

Mr Moreti also noted that construction of two LA2 houses at Mababe were expected to be accomplished by end of July 2021, while one LA2 house at Nxaraga had been recommended for termination due to lack of commitment by contractor.

The house also learnt that the council electrical works unit completed five maintenance projects out of six in the last financial year 2020/21. The chairperson highlighted that the uncompleted project was for maintenance of floodlights in primary schools which was affected by the breakdown of area platform.

However, he stated that material for the works had been received and would be maintained in this current financial year 2021/22.

The planned maintenance included maintenance of the backup generator for MAA, refurbishment of three tower lights in Maun, refurbishment of traffic lights, power reticulation and wiring of Semboyo Primary School and installation of booster pumps in some schools among others.

Mr Moreti expressed concern that they continued to experience excessive knock down of streetlights by motorists, adding that led to reduction in illumination levels to their roads.

Councillors were also updated on progress made by the council road works division towards closing of the financial year 2020/21.

They were informed that of the two projects which were lagging behind being construction of four bus stops in Thito ward and gravelling of two kilometres Chanoga internal roads were presently 100 per cent complete.

Mr Moreti informed them that there was also a major maintenance activity of pothole patching of Maun internal roads after being massively degenerated by the seasonal rains.

As for financial year 2021/22, he revealed that there would be very little to do as far as projects were concerned as the division had been funded with P800 000 on its maintenance of roads. He said the funds would be used for purchasing of premix for pothole patching in Maun, Sehithwa and Makalamabedi villages.

Some of the funds, he said would be used to purchase gravel loads which would be used on spot-improvement of Maun internal roads. 

The road division was also reported to have started to execute 10km wet grading to each ward in Maun as maintenance intervention by the use of the in-house plant machinery.

Upon completion of wet-grading in August 2021, it was reported that the team would gravel 2km section of a road in Shorobe village as a way of improving village infrastructure. Ends