12 Nov 2025

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Entrepreneurship in its endeavour to provide infrastructure for ease of doing business, has through SPEDU, sourced funding from the European Union to construct a connecting road between Mathathane and Plaatjan point of entry.

This was said by Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima in response to a question by Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, Mr Taolo Lucas. Mr Ntsima said the project entailed the construction of a 30 kilometre road linking Mathathane and the Plaatjan border post.

The road, he said, is envisaged to link the Plaatjan border post to Selebi Phikwe through Bobonong. Minister Ntsima said several milestones have been achieved towards the construction of the road.

“This includes the development of the Concept and Detailed Designs: and the Environmental Impact Assessment. A tender process for the construction of the road is on-going and is expected to be concluded during the 2025/2026 financial year,” said Ntsima.

However, Mr Ntsima said with regard to the amount of the project, such would compromise the procurement process which he said was yet to be concluded.

He said the project was at the final stages of the procurement phase, which was the award stage. Minister Ntsima said that they were working in close collaboration with the European Union as development partner on the project.

Mr Lucas had asked the minister to give an update on the Mathathane-Plaatjan Road project. He also inquired about the amount of money available for the road, where the money came from, the procurement protocols and processes followed to date.

Mr Lucas wanted to know the possible commencement date for the construction of the road, the engagements with European Union as a development partner on the project and the reasons for the delay of the commencement of the project. ENDS