05 Oct 2023

Minister of Transport and Public Works Mr Eric Molale says construction of Tshesebe-Kgari and Mosojane-Masunga roads took long to complete due to a court challenge that was launched when projects were awarded.

He said what was disturbing was that some things were not properly done and at the same time defying the law. 

In some cases, he said an offer letter was taken as a contract document for a tender, which was also against the law and this led to complications in the said tenders.

“Some of the affected roads are the Francistown-Matsiloje, whose dispute is still before the courts of law, Tutume-Maitengwe road, which is also being challenged in court, and the Gumare-Nokaneng road,” he said.

Mr Molale disclosed that while these cases were before courts, money was said to be spent without trail of the expenditure.

He said the ministry had since decided that for all new projects, there would be no stage that passes without inspection.

“If a stage passes without inspection and it is realised that it was not properly done, the affected part will be demolished, and reconstruction cost will be borne by those responsible,” he said. 

He disclosed that a faulty bridge that was constructed at Moshupa without proper inspection would be demolished and reconstructed. 

He stated that Shakawe Senior Secondary School was constructed with no brick force and was at risk of collapsing. Mr Molale said the access road policy still stood and all roads within 10 kilometres from the main road being constructed would benefit by being tarred, adding that some villages as far as 25km from the main road had benefited. ends