23 Mar 2022

The Ministry of Transport and Communication is expected to issue a notice terminating the Nokaneng-Gumare road contract this month.

Briefing the North West District Council in Maun this week, acting Works Superintendent from the Department of Roads, North West region Mr Kabelo Mangadi said the 37-kilometre road was 16 months behind schedule, which deemed the contractor unable to deliver the contractual terms.

He stated that the contractor, Evergreen was paid P3 million advance fee to mobilise the works but a court order was issued for him to suspend works as there were queries pertaining to the awarding of the contract.

However Mr Mangadi highlighted that after the matter was resolved, the contractor resumed work but indicated that he had incurred damages amounting to P15 million of which he was paid.

The director said despite having been paid, the contractor abandoned the site leaving the road in a bad state with some sections closed.

He noted that due to the contractor’s inability to fulfil the contractual terms, the Department of Roads notified the Ministry of Transport and Communications legal team who resolved that a notice to terminate be drafted.

Mr Mangadi acknowledged that this road was hazardous to people and some parts of it were closed hence making it difficult for motorists to use.

The director admitted that many roads in the district were in a bad state and needed to be reconstructed.

He said pothole patching could not sustain the roads because every rainy season the potholes would re-appear and render the roads impassable.

He highlighted that his department had proposed to upgrade Maun- Shorobe, Sehithwa-Tsau, Gumare- Mohembo roads and was awaiting funding.

He stated that the asphalt overlaying of Tsau-Habu road was completed last year with road markings and sign installation remaining as the contractor was waiting for the asphalt to mature and set in before marking the road.

Councillors proposed that  a request be sent to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to facilitate a meeting between the Minister of Transport and Communication- and the North West District Council delegation which would discuss the state of the roads in the district.

Councillors said the meeting would deliberate on the NWD concerns pertaining to roads and further highlight the need to expedite the development of the road infrastructure of the district. Ends