05 Jul 2023

A 19km block-paved access road to Moletemane is expected to be completed by end of August, three years post the expected completion of the P45-million infrastructure.

Aggre Holdings started construction of the access road June 2019 and was expected to complete the works June 2020.

However, due to variations, the contractor has taken three more years to complete the project amid complaints from the expectant beneficiaries of the infrastructure.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Moletemane, recently, an official from the Department of Roads, Ms Seole Sosome informed the residents that the long awaited completion of the road should be August, since all matters that had been holding a successful completion back had been ironed out between the contractor and the ministry.

Ms Sosome said government paid the contractor the funds sought for variations such as culverts so that works could be completed.

“The contractor promised to complete works in a month and a half,” said Ms Sosome.

Residents and some businesses banking on the road had expressed concerns over stalled completion of the road project. 

They claimed that the non-completion of the road bore negative consequences to the village and businesses alike.

An employee of Richmark Chicken, Mr Joseph Choto said the road was of paramount importance for the business that supplied the country with chicken. 

He said the continued stalling of completion of the road had cost implications on their business. 

Earlier, Acting Kgosi John Mosalatseleng had suggested that former employees of the Aggre Holdings could be used to complete the project since they had learnt the ropes during construction.

“It is disappointing and disheartening what unravels regarding this road,” Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, Mr Taolo Lucas said.

The MP said that he had engaged with Minister Eric Molale regarding the road. 

Mr Lucas said the minisiter was also disappointed that many local contractors hardly completed works on time.

“I will engage with the minister again this coming Parliament sitting to map how best this matter could be ressolved,” Mr Lucas added.

Meanwhile, at the same kgotla meeting, residents were condemned for poaching in the nearby farms, a move some feared could scare business persons who usually donated to the village. 

Speakers believed poaching had potential to scare businesses with some having already mooted relocating.

An officer from anti-poaching unit, Mr Thekiso Thekiso confirmed the gravity of poaching in Bobirwa and some parts of North East.   

He called for combating of the vice, likening the wild animals to ‘our diamonds.’ ends