12 Jun 2023

The 70-kilometre Gumare-Sepopa section road maintenance is expected to be completed in 18 months, Acting Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Aubrey Lesaso has said.

Mr Lesaso said this at the signing of the contract between the ministry and Bango Trading Company on June 11.

The project, which was awarded to Bango Trading Company for over P343.8 million, entails shoulder reinstatement and asphalt overlay of Sepopa-Gumare road.

He explained that initially the project was to cost over P110 million, but the contract was later reviewed to include reconstruction of the portion between Gumare-Etsha 13 as well as access roads to Etsha 1, Etsha 6, Etsha 13 and Ikoga villages.

He added that the ministry strove to empower local companies by awarding them work of such magnitude and therefore urged Bango Trading Company to do an excellent job.

“Government aims to provide Batswana with quality roads to connect from one place to the other,” he said.

Also, he said the Sehithwa-Nokaneng-Gumare road was included in the two-year Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP 2023-2025) while the Mohembo-Gudigwa road was also in the pipeline.

For his part, the contractor, Mr Moffat James of Bango Trading Company promised to deliver the project within budget and time.

“As Bango Trading we will do quality job as required by the ministry and deliver it within budget and time if there are no challenges experienced,” said Mr James.

He added that the company would cooperate with Gumare residents and observe all required regulations.

“We thank the ministry for its confidence in our company and we promise that we will do a diligent job that will be of great benefit to Batswana,” he added.

Okavango District Council chairperson, Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald also thanked the ministry for finally delivering their promise for maintenance of the road and for including access roads.

Mr Ronald also urged Bango Trading Company to employ Gumare locals because the area had high rate of unemployment.

Earlier, in the welcome remarks, Kgosi Moitshepi Molelwa of Gumare said signing of the contract was a milestone that proved government’s commitment to delivering the project. ends