20 Aug 2024

Government has approved the adoption of the DM model as one of the methods of project management, implementation and delivery of public works in the Botswana Public-sector.

The DM model was adopted as a pilot to implement a portfolio of infrastructure projects under the Second Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP II) that started April 2023 and will end March 2025.

“To ensure the success of the DM model, government further approved the establishment of a Catalyst Project Team (CPT) which is tasked with the coordination of project implementation to ensure the efficient use of available resources, timeous delivery of projects and value for money,” said CPT business strategist, Mr Molefi Keaja during the District Catalyst Project Team (DCPT) orientation in Francistown, August 16.

Additionally, he said, the CPT was established to facilitate timely decision-making within established project operational parameters and compliance to procurement processes. 

As a coordination team and owing to its capacity challenges, the CPT has found it fit to involve District Development Committees (DDCs) in coordinating Development Manager (DM) project activities at district level for all local and central government agencies because DDCs as planning bodies for the district, were critical in monitoring projects for and on behalf of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and more importantly, the CPT.

He stated that the District Technical Committee, which was a sub-committee of the DDC, would be responsible for monitoring project implementation, provide appropriate technical advice and serve as a District Catalyst Project Team (DCPT). 

He further stated that the primary responsibility of the DCPT would be to manage implementation of DM projects at district level, address project implementation challenges, assist MDAs in providing any information requested by DMs or CPT or as and when required.

“The DCPT is the key sub-committee responsible for day to day corrective and remedial actions to ensure DM projects achieve their intended objectives. In addition, DCPT will provide professional oversight at district level on all DM projects and advise accordingly in consultation with the DDCs, MDAs and CPT,” he underscored. ENDS