15 Dec 2021

The slightly slow progress of maintenance works at Ghanzi Council Chambers is attributable to unavailability of highly specialised materials, which can only be sourced in South Africa.

Ghanzi District council chairperson Mr Thato Tshweneyagae said when addressing a virtual full council meeting Tuesday, the maintenance encompassed a series of highly specialised components, citing the two domes, furniture, digital congressing and a compatible PA system, which were all imported.

He said due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, the materials took time to arrive. Mr Tshweneyagae also noted delays in the maintenance of Boipelo Primary School in Charleshill, which had been funded at approximately P5.5 million. Nonetheless, he said, the tendering process was ongoing and documents had been vetted. Council would float the tender in January 2022, he said.

On other issues, the chairperson attributed delays in completion of Ghanzi township illumination project, which stood at 44 per cent, to late supply of maintenance material by suppliers, as well as an increase in the number of poles damaged by motorists, who then took off.

He said only 104 out of 239 streetlights remained standing.

“Bagaetsho, unavailability of information on these culprits impedes issues of insurance cover and as such Council is compelled to use own resources to maintain such. I implore motorists to be vigilant at all times to avoid hitting the streetlights and also for all of us to assist in reporting such incidents,” he appealed to councillors. Ends