Infrastructure projects bolster Transformation
03 Oct 2024
Construction of the Moshupa-Manyana road is part of the many infrastructure projects that will enhance the country’s transformation from a middle-income to a high-income economy.
Speaking at the occasion to break ground for the construction of the Moshupa-Manyana road in Manyana on Wednesday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the project and similar ones across the country would create direct and indirect economic opportunities for Batswana.
Additionally, he noted that the road would enhance the tourism sector in the district, providing easy access to heritage sites such as Dimawe.
The President subsequently called on communities to develop such sites to improve their aesthetics for tourism purposes.
The 33.5km road, which has been awarded to Heinsite Construction at P376.4 million, is expected to be completed in two years.
He noted that due to budgetary constraints, the road could not link Manyana-Moshupa-Naledi as initially envisioned.
However, Dr Masisi urged Batswana to remain optimistic that more projects would be delivered in future as the economy improves.
He also called on residents to cooperate with the contractor and give him the necessary support to avoid project delays.
Furthermore, the President said as part of his government promises on electric mobility, an electric boat was recently constructed by Batswana.
He said the long-term plan was to export similar boats to other countries, through collaboration with the government.
He also noted that the first electric car, which is currently being assembled, would be launched soon.
Still on electric mobility, President Masisi noted that following the licensing of the Kgwakgwe Manganese Project in Kanye, plans were underway to have a battery plant to further create employment opportunities for Batswana.
He said these projects were also expected to benefit communities through skills transfer.
Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele of Manyana commended President Masisi and his government for progressive laws and programmes that he said had renewed hope for Batswana.
He said the current construction boom across the country would create jobs for communities and contribute towards economic growth.
He said the Moshupa-Manyana road would also improve access of essential services such as health facilities in Moshupa.
He also urged the contractor to be transparent in their hiring process and also give the local communities to supply them with construction material such as sand.
He said this would boost the local economy and improve the livelihood of residents.
Kgosi Mosielele solicited for the government’s support to transform Manyana into a pilot smart village, owing to its rich heritage.
“We have virgin land here in Manyana and we need support from the government to turn it into a smart village,” he said. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Kehumile Moekejo
Location : MANYANA
Event : Groundbreaking ceremony
Date : 03 Oct 2024