16 Oct 2023

A 12km bypass road project, which was proposed for Molepolole in 2017, is expected to commence in February.

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale, told a kgotla meeting addressed by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in Molepolole on Friday that government had secured P260 million for the project.

“The delay on the designated itinerary is that a number of residential plots were allotted alongside the bypass,” added Mr Molale.

He also stated that the 34km Thamaga-Molepolole road had been a nightmare for motorists and residents of the two villages.

“As its stands, it will be completed by December” said Mr Molale about rehabilitation of the said road.

Concerning other road projects in the Kweneng region, Mr Molale noted that in the next financial year, Thamaga-Kubung road would be tarred.

He said Matlagane-Mantshwabisi and Mahetlwe-Hatsalatladi-Botlhapatlou-Ngware-Diphuduhudu roads status had been assessed for consideration in the next financial year.  

When responding to requests made during the meeting, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Anna Mokgethi said there were no plans to review costs for processing of passport for children below 16 years.

She said passport costs had since been the same for 13 years, nonetheless the express service was available, especially for emergency services.

Ms Mokgethi said the number of illegal immigrants in Kweneng continued to increase.

“In 2021/22, about 1 441 illegal immigrants were arrested and deported while in 2022/23 about 2 279 were expatriated,” said Ms Mokgethi.

For his part, Botswana Police Service Deputy Divisional Commander South, Mr Israel Tuelo said two police stations would be constructed in Molepolole.

“The tender for these projects has been awarded,” Mr Tuelo said. ENDS