13 Oct 2026

Mathathane residents have been urged to form a delegation to accompany their Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, Mr Taolo Lucas, to meet with the Minister for State President, Defense and Security or President Advocate Duma Boko, regarding ongoing delays in the construction of the Mathathane-Platjan road.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting recently, Mr Lucas said the joint delegation would demonstrate the community’s seriousness over the stalled 30km road project leading to the Platjan border post, which was promised to be funded by the European Union (EU). The delegation, Mr Lucas suggested, would table a broad range of community grievances, mainly the delayed road construction and pending residential plot allocations. 

Earlier this year, Minister for State President, Defense and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa informed residents of government’s decision to proceed with the project following cancellation of the original tender in January. Minister Mohwasa explained at the time that the tender was cancelled due to significant changes in scope and procurement needs, with government deciding instead to deliver the project through public works. 

Under the initial plan, government announced that it would construct 189km of road networks in the region using P357 million from the EU. 

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was set to lead construction, while the Department of Roads provided technical expertise.

However, Mathathane residents protested the change, citing severe disruption caused by the cancellation of the original 30km route. 

Some residents noted they had already relocated from their ploughing fields following official consultations to make way for the project.

In response to public outcry and influenced by new information, government reversed its decision and resolved to proceed with the 30km stretch as initially planned. Minister Mohwasa clarified in January that less than P10 million would be needed to compensate affected farmers, rather than the P50 million previously estimated from the EU funding pool.

Despite assurances that construction would begin in April, work was yet to start, prompting residents to demand answers from their MP. 

Community members expressed mistrust in the process, citing years of unfulfilled promises since the project’s inception.

During the recent meeting, Kgosi Samuel Makola and Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Solomon Mafela informed Mr Lucas that residents were concerned by the uncommunicated delays.

In response, Mr Lucas revealed that recent feedback from Minister Mohwasa indicated that EU had initiated an audit of the funds due to the prolonged inertia.

“I have inquired about the road and Minister Mohwasa told me that there is an audit on the finances since they have been lying unused for a long time,” Mr Lucas said, rallying his constituents to stand up for the project.  He expressed fear that without strong public advocacy, the allocated funds could be redirected to road projects in other regions.

“One of our challenges is that we don’t really know under which ministry this road falls as there are several players involved. 

There’s no mightier power than that of the electorate demonstrating their grievances against unfulfilled promises,” he said. ENDS