22 Aug 2023

 All major projects undertaken under the two-year national transitional development plan will be implemented through the development manager model.

About P72 billion has been allocated to for the projects.

Addressing the leadership of local authorities and planners from across the country in Francistown Monday, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale said the model had several benefits in project delivery, especially large or complex projects.

One of the benefits of the development manager model, he explained, was that it helped to ensure that the project stayed on track, both in terms of timeline and budget.

He said the model allowed for a single point of contact for the project, which could streamline communication and decision-making.

In addition, Mr Molale stated that the development manager model allowed for more flexibility in the way the project was managed, which could be useful when dealing with unexpected challenges and changes.

He said the model could help ensure that the projects were  delivered according to the client's expectations.

He said the development manager model was not a new concept in Botswana as it was previously used in all urban areas across the country.

“In all these projects, we had a development manager and the projects were completed well on time and within budget," he added.

Mr Molale stated that the development manager model was prompted by the fact that over time, the infrastructure development had experienced challenges.

He said thee challenges varied, but in the past, they all led to a loss of public funds, slow economic growth and corruption.

The minister further indicated that despite good policies and strategies, leading to properly identified projects, there was lack of competence in project implementation.

He explained that there had been limited capacity building in project management as a profession over the years, adding that projects were implemented without readiness assessment.

In addition, Mr Molale stated that there was no proper maintenance of existing facilities whilst those charged with responsibility for project planning, scheduling and estimating were not necessarily skilled in these areas.

He explained that the current status in project management was that there was poor scooping leading to uncontrollable scope management during implementation.

“There is poor consultation, communication, accountability as well as poor contract administration and management,” he added.

Minister Molale cited several road projects such as the Francistown-Matsiloje road and Nokaneng-Gumare which were abandoned due to poor monitoring and evaluation.

“This calls for a mindset change to avoid the tragedy of commons,” he said.

Mr Molale said in February, the government issued an expression of interest looking to implement P13 billion worth of projects and 123 companies, both from locally and abroad, showed interest.

He explained that from the 123, only 23 responded and nine companies were successful.

Mr Molale said the Francistown-Maun highway was included in package three using the development manager model approach.

He appealed to all District Commissioners across the county to start forming District Development Catalyst teams, which he said played an  important role in facilitating local development and economic growth.

“Their primary duty includes identifying and promoting development opportunities, coordinating with other government agencies and organisations, and engaging with local communities,” he added. ENDS