24 Sep 2026

Completion of the Tlokweng 25 kilometres internal roads development is a clear statement of the national intent that alignes with the country’s National Development Plan (NDP12). 

Speaking during the official opening and commissioning of the project in Tlokweng on Tuesday, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, said the strategic thrust of the national development plan was to transform the country into a premier regional hub for trade, travel and investment through integrated, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

“We gather here today at the strategic gateway to our capital city, at the Tlokweng Border Post, which serves as our primary interface with international trading partners, investors and visitors. What we commission today therefore speaks directly to who we are as a nation and where we are going,” said Minister Motshegwa.

He said the project which comprised 25km of high quality internal roads integrated with modern storm water drainage systems contracted at over P334 million with an additional investment of P40 million dedicated to solar street lighting and modern traffic signalling components, had been successfully completed to standard specifications.

Minister Motshegwa said in an era of constrained fiscal space, delivering a capital project of its magnitude within the approved budget and timeline was no small achievement which demonstrated the resilience of local authorities, discipline in public financial management and unwavering accountability at every stage of execution.  

He said Tlokweng was evolving rapidly as a prime destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) which demanded efficient, modern and dignified transport infrastructure that the roads directly provided.

“Tlokweng is being positioned as a flagship Smart Model Village, requiring safe, illuminated, well-drained, and accessible roads that support digital connectivity, e-services, and enhanced quality of life. Tlokweng has historically suffered from flash flooding due to inadequate drainage, a chronic challenge that is now significantly mitigated by this new integrated system to bring tangible relief, safety, and dignity to our citizens,” he said.

Minister Motshegwa highlighted that the installation of solar-powered streetlights significantly reduced dependency on the national grid and lowered electricity overheads for the council thus advanced Botswana’s commitment to energy security, enhanced road safety for women and children and transformed Tlokweng into a settlement of pride.

He said there was need to continue moving towards an integrated development model where infrastructure, spatial planning, environmental management and social wellbeing were advanced together rather than in isolation.

Minister Motshegwa challenged businesses, local entrepreneurs and commercial investors to view the infrastructure as an enabling platform for enterprise because where connectivity improved, economic opportunities must follow and thrive.

“I am pleased to note that this project created 195 direct employment opportunities, 34 of which were taken up by women, representing household income, youth skills transfer and direct community empowerment. Every Pula of public investment must yield tangible benefits for our people,” he added.

Giving an overview and objectives of the project, Tlokweng District council secretary, Mr Joseph Kgabanyane, said the primary objective was to give the village a facelift with an all-weather road infrastructure as Tlokweng was flood prone.

He said despite the fact that the project was delivered timely and within budget, the overall cost could not cover some desired components such as storm water drainage systems in some parts.

Mr Kgabanyane said the road network changed the landscape of the village and completed on schedule totalling over P440 million.

He said the project endured some challenges along the way but generally, were pleased with the transformation and success with regards to infrastructural delivery.

Asphalt Botswana representative, Mr Pius Mphathiwa, applauded the cooperative spirit of Tlokweng residents during the pre-condition survey as construction was done in built up areas.

He said 4 101 houses were assessed and over P92 000 compensation paid, a reasonable amount which reflected careful consideration of property upon construction. ENDS