14 Jan 2026

Residents of Gumare have expressed gratitude for the progress achieved on the Gumare-Shakawe road project.

They said this at a kgotla meeting addressed by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Mr Noah Salakae in Gumare on Tuesday, where he indicated that the project was expected to be completed in 2027.

Kgosi Moitshepi Molelwa of Gumare appreciated that the project was taking shape, bringing hope to the Okavango people as the road which was constructed in the 1990’s had never been maintained and as a consequence was depleted.

A resident, Mr Moopi Morris welcomed the minister’s briefing on the project, which reassured the community with the promise of completion next year.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Ms Keatlaretse Gabatsholwe observed that the Gumare-Shakawe road was an integral part of the road network which contributed positively to the Okavango community hence its maintenance was a welcome development.

The road project, she said was initially planned to be maintained in 2021 by asphalt overlay but the scope of work was changed in 2023 after realising that some parts of the road were depleted hence required complete reconstruction.

Mr Salakae explained that the project delay was also attributed to lack of some construction materials in Okavango which the two engaged companies, Bango Trading for Gumare-Sepopa section and Rockefeller for Sepopa-Shakawe section sourced far.

The government, he however said was committed to ensure roads in Botswana met desired standards since road infrastructure was key for economic growth of the countryHe observed that the current road infrastructure in the country were in a deplorable state with Okavango roads being worst.

Mr Salakae therefore promised the residents that government would ensure Botswana had roads which promoted regional integration since the roads connected the country to its neighbours  such as Namibia.

The minister further said the his ministry was planning to review the Road Act therefore required input from members of the public before presenting the bill before Parliament.

He said the review among others would consider increase of road traffic accidents charges and other offenses fines.
Most residents opposed the proposed increase of road offenses fines citing that people were already affected by the economic hardships currently affecting the country. ENDS