09 Jun 2022

The P457 million Moshupa Primary Hospital, a Zhentai/Whitacon Joint Venture project, which commenced in 2019, is anticipated to be complete towards the end of this year.  

The project was initially scheduled to be completed in March, but was rescheduled to December following delays stemming from various challenges. 

In an interview recently, the project manager for the 70-bed facility, Mr Daniel Lysson cited that project’s delays included non-performance by the mechanical sub-contractor responsible for sewer, water and electrical reticulation.

He said the overall project is at 73 per cent, adding that the construction of the wall structure was complete, with most works in the interior of the building behind schedule.

“The structure outside is complete, mechanical services are at 68 per cent as most works on air conditioning has been done,” he said.

Mr Lysson said that electrical works were on schedule, but had since been halted as they had to pave way for the completion of the mechanical services equipment.

“Electrical installation is 100 per cent in the site office, temporary power is connected and testing is complete, with Preliminary tests using temporary power and equipment on second fix having started last month,” he said.

Mr Lysson noted that his team would begin installation of the ceiling and painting of walls as well as laying floor ceramics immediately after the completion of void cable and other necessary mechanical works had been done.

The impact of COVID-19 has affected the hospital’s construction schedule, however, we are working round the clock to ensure that the hospital gets completed.

“Notifiable delays due to COVID-19 relates to shortages of materials such as cement, structural steel and sheeting, especially those purchased from outside Botswana. 

Mr Lysson said with such challenges they were compelled to request for extension of time from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, which is overseeing the project.

“Currently, the electrical progress on site is quite satisfactory, with the actual progress at 85 per cent.”

He shared the other delays were due to the fact that the sub-contractor also could not procurement material on time, which consequently led to the delays in the approval of escalation cost by the ministry.

The new facility will have such services as psychiatric, oral health, pharmacy, outpatient department, accident and emergency, diagnostic department, maternity ward, main theater, laundry, waste management and mortuary wings and a staff compliment of 65. BOPA