26 Feb 2024

Lereka Engineering, tasked for constructing the P4.5m Tati-Siding post office has been commended for being a testament that Batswana-owned businesses are capable of success.

Their work ethic was said to have broken perceptions that local contractors were not capable of completing projects on time and within budget. The MP for Tati East Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said when touring the constructed facility on Friday. “The company completed the construction of a post office on time and within budget, to the satisfaction of the government,” said Dr Letsholathebe. He said this success has sparked hope that more local containers would be given the opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the development of Botswana.

Dr Letsholathebe said the completion of the project is an encouragement on the side of the government to continue investing in local owned contractors, especially those owned by the youth. He explained that investing in local companies, would enable the companies to employ more people from the community, helpful in reducing unemployment.

“They provide opportunities for local businesses to grow and expand, creating a stronger economy. They contribute to the development of skills and knowledge within the local community,” said Dr Letsholathebe. In addition, Dr Letsholathebe, said local companies would also help to reduce the amount of money leaving the country, as profits would be kept within the community. “They encourage a sense of pride and ownership in the community, as people feel connected to the success of the local businesses,” he added.

He advised all stakeholders to map way toward for the official opening of the post office. BotswanaPost Regional Manager (north), Ms Omphemetse Mathumo informed the minister that the project was at 99 percent complete. She said the post office will be furnished soon before handing it to the relevant authorities for utilisation. Ms Mathumo further indicated that the state of the art post office was user friendly especially to the senior citizens.

She told the minister that the post office has a Virtual Teller machine (VTM) room installed with an ATM machine for customers to access services after working hours. North East District Council Chairperson, Mr Kudzani Tobokwani also commended Lereka Engineering for completing the construction of a post office well on time and within budget. He explained that projects in the district are completed on time due to strict supervision by the Councils officials.

Mr Tobokwani further indicated that the opening of the post office will save and reduce costs and time for the elderly to go get their allowances and other services at Masunga. He explained that the successful completion of the project is a testament to the general public that local contractors are capable of doing business with government provided they are managed properly.

He urged other local contractors to emulate Lereka and deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, in order to help develop Botswana’s infrastructure and economy. The post office consists of a banking hall, manager’s office, VTM room, strong room, kitchen, sorting room, three retail stores for the public and public toilets. The contractor, Mr Letlhogonolo Machine of Lereka Engineering informed the minister that the successful completion of the post office was due to the cordial working relationship between all parties involved. The post office was built in joint venture between BotswanaPost and the government of Botswana through the parliamentary constituency fund. BotswanaPost contributed P2.5 million while Tati East constituency office popped out P2 million. ENDS