26 Jul 2022

There are plans to appoint a new contractor to continue re-gravelling the remaining 46 kilometres of the Tonota-Mabesekwa road.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale told Parliament Monday that the contract would include dry grading the entire length of the road.

Mr Molale explained that the procurement process was ongoing and that it was envisaged that the new contractor would start work in November for a duration of 24 months.

“There are plans to grade the road twice every month and re-gravel it up to the kgotla to the acceptable standard once the new contractor is on site in November,” said the minister.

He said the first contract covering 21 kilometres of the 67km road was completed outside the envisaged contract duration.

“The previous contractor was on site for a period of 24 months in contrast to the 12 months originally scheduled under the contract. A period of six months elapsed with no activity on site due to delays in varying the contract to accommodate increased costs of haulage of material to site,” said the minister.

He said additional delays were experienced in obtaining surface rights including mining licenses for gravel sources and burrow pits. 

He also added that the contractor was not found to be responsible for the delays experienced in completing the contract and therefore was not penalised.

Mr Molale also told the house that there were no plans to upgrade the entire Tonota-Mabesekwa road to bitumen level.

Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi had asked if there were any plans to appoint a new contractor to finish grading and re-gravelling the road. He also wanted to know how long was the previous contractor and why was he not penalised over such a long time despite the deteriorated state of the road. 

He further wanted to know if there were plans to bituminise the entire road. Ends