Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Noah Salakae has told Mabutsane councillors that a P108 million budget has been earmarked for asphalt overlay of the Mabutsane-Morwamosu road in the 2026/2027 financial year.

Speaking at a full council meeting on Friday, Mr Salakae said the project would be financed through the Road Fund Levy.

He noted that the road, which was part of the Trans Kalahari Corridor was instrumental in linking Botswana with other countries thereby facilitating trade with external markets. 

He said the road was currently in a bad state, characterised by potholes, uneven sections and overgrown vegetation. He also noted that plans were underway to improve the telecommunication network along the Trans Kalahari Corridor in an endeavour to ensure seamless communication and movement along the road.

He said owing to economic challenges, government had taken a stance to prioritise primary roads, which had high traffic volumes and could enhance economic growth. While he acknowledged that there was need to improve the road network, he noted that some unpaved roads in the district would undergo dry grading and gravelling.

Minister Salakae underscored the need to capacitate councils with proper machinery and equipment for them to effectively respond to the needs of the district.  He also urged councillors to put political differences aside and work together to serve their communities.

For their part, councillors expressed concern that the Jwaneng-Maokane road and the one linking Kokong junction to Kokong were not included in the National Development Plan (NDP) 12. 

They said the two roads were a priority for the district, considering their current bad state and their effects on the lives of the communities.

Deputy council chairperson, Mr Obakeng Melome said the Jwaneng-Maokane road could enhance movement and improve the economy of the communities. He said as home to a service centre, Maokane housed the sub landboard and tribal services that provided services to other villages in the catchment area.

 “Constructing this road would improve access to services and motivate the government employees who work there,” he said.

Mabutsane/Kanaku Ward councillor, Mr Keberekile Pule said the Maokane road was in deplorable condition yet public officers who commuted daily from Jwaneng had to use it every day.

“We have been advocating for Maokane road for a long time. We wish it could be given attention,” he said. He further said government should consider fencing the Trans Kalahari Highway to restrict movement of animals that contributed to high accidents on the road. ENDS