25 May 2026

The Moshupa A10 bridge, which has been closed due to severe structural failures and complicated underground water conditions, has been thrown a P12 million lifeline.

A contract has been awarded to Herbco Technical Services (Pty) Ltd for detailed investigation, as well as pre- and post-contract engineering services, to permanently resolve the bridge’s ongoing structural issues.

Moshupa District Council Senior district officer for development, Mr Tebogo Mekwe, announced the development during a presentation to the council’s meeting recently.

Mr Mekwe said the bridge and its surrounding embankments initially sustained heavy damage following torrential rains.

He added that while initial reconstruction efforts were launched, they had to be abruptly halted after engineers discovered an abnormally high groundwater table that made the original repair plan unsafe and highly prone to future collapse, ultimately resulting in the termination of the initial reconstruction contract.

“The service contract for the procurement of a consultant... has been awarded to Herbco Technical Services,” Mr Mekwe confirmed.

He added that the contract had been prepared and submitted to legal teams for finalisation and signing.

In the meantime, he said the bridge remained closed for major rehabilitation and maintenance, with traffic being diverted through alternative local routes within Moshupa.

The A10 bridge is not the only major infrastructure project underway in the district.

In an interview, council chairperson, Mr Peter Sethibe said the Madutela Road, which also collapsed during heavy rains last year and was closed to traffic, had been awarded a contract worth over P14 million under Asphalt Botswana in October last year to repair the damage.

Mr Sethibe said the comprehensive scope of work included the construction of a culvert at the collapsed section of Madutela Road, repairs to a 300-metre stretch of the Post Office Road and the rehabilitation of the Mmaseetsele Clinic Road.

He added that that while the project officially commenced on February 5, with an initial completion date targeted for May 29, heavy rains throughout March, April and May delayed operations by 25 days, with an extension of time currently under review by authorities.

“The project progress to date stands at 65 per cent against a planned 95 per cent,” Mr Sethibe stated, noting the weather-related setbacks.

Despite the delays, he said the project had provided a welcome boost to the local economy.

Mr Sethibe highlighted that the contractor had already spent over P400,000 in local Moshupa hardware stores and shops for supplies, while an additional P200,000 had been funnelled directly to local sub-contractors. ENDS