14 Nov 2023

The Ministry of Transport and Public Works, will conduct a feasibility study for tolling of roads in Botswana during the Second Transitional National Development Plan. 

Answering a Parliamentary question from the Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Thapelo Letsholo, Minister Eric Molale said the study whose Terms of Reference were at a vetting would include the A1 road. 

MP Letsholo had wanted the minister to update Parliament on the country’s road infrastructure projects, potential toll road developments, alternative road solutions and road maintenance strategies. 

In response, Minister Molale said in the event that there was designated as a toll road, and depending on where such gates were located, the Magotlhwane-Kgomokasitwa-Tshweneyagae road would possibly be a viable alternative route. 

“The road would then have to be developed commencing from Digawana through Molapowabojang. Currently that part of the road is under construction from Good Hope to Gathwane,” he said. 

Minister Molale further noted that Magotlhwane-Kgomokasitwa-Tshweneyagae road also served as an alternative route when the A1 road was closed to traffic following the damage to Nnywane River bridge due to cyclone Dineo, and has proven to be a viable alternative route. 

He said due to budget constraints, the ministry had not planned for tarring of the road in the current Second Transitional National Development Plan. Ministry will periodically do spot improvements on ponding sections of the road as well as regularly dry grading it to ensure its usability, he said. 

Mr Molale said the ministry was considering road construction alternative technologies but the Magotlhwane-Kgomokasitwa-Tshweneyagae roads were not among those earmarked for piloting mainly due to budget constraints. Ends