29 Nov 2023

 Limited funds have delayed the execution of Thune Dam and associated pipelines Contract 3B and 3C through which the Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs intends to connect some villages to Thune Dam.

Answering a question in Parliament, the minister Dr Kefentse Mzwinila said the remaining villages which were to be connected were Lepokole, Gobojango, Semolale, Mabolwe and Machaneng.

He said ministry intended to execute the aforementioned project in the current financial year, 2023/2024, but the current approved budget did not permit the ministry to start the project.

He said procurement of contractors had been completed and currently the project was on hold pending confirmation of funds.

“The project contracts 3B and 3C will commence as soon as funds are available. The expected delivery date of the said projects depends completely on the availability of funds,” he said adding that contracts 3B and 3C would take 18 months and 15 months respectively.

He said contracts 3B and 3C were estimated to cost about P447 million at the conception of the project in 2019, and to date, the cost estimates had increased by 11 per cent to P496 million.

Bobonong MP Mr Taolo Lucas wanted the minister to update the House on the delays in the connection and reticulation of water to the concerned villages as well as the current status of the project and the expected delivery date. ENDS