‘Conflicted’ PS accused of delaying Kanye sanitation project
Spira Tlhankane | Monday June 16, 2025 13:52
The Kanye sanitation project made headlines recently when it was revealed that the project, initially set at P724.96 million, has drastically exceeded its budget, with costs ballooning to P3.4 billion. The project comprises a 480-kilometer pipeline, 11 pump stations, and wastewater treatment works. It was originally scheduled to run from October 2017 to October 2019, but has since been extended to July 2025.
Apart from the rocky conditions that come with the topographical terrain in Kanye, the delay has been blamed on some landowners in the village who are refusing to give contractors access to their homes. Fingers now point at Khumotaka, who is accused of being insincere and conflicted in the matter. Khumotaka recently informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the DCEC is investigating the project cost overrun, involving engineers accused of professional malpractice.
A source closer to the project told Mmegi that what the PS failed to do was to disclose to the PAC that she is amongst the landowners who are delaying the project. The 480km pipeline is left with only 24km, and according to information on the ground, the project could have been completed except for a segment planned to pass through certain homes, one of which is owned by Khumotaka.
Khumotaka, a Kanye native, has reportedly refused to accept compensation from the government, saying it was a pittance. “The project has not been able to be completed on time because contractors cannot access the site. The PS expects the project under her ministry to be completed on time, but she has denied contractors access to her home. The scope was changed, but the project has to pass through her home. Besides her, there are a few residents who are resisting that their homes be assessed for compensation. They do not want government compensation,” the source said. The source said if push comes to shove, the issue of access will be reported to the Office of the President.
In Botswana, the President can compulsorily acquire private land for public benefit, including for defence, public safety, or development projects, as outlined in the Constitution and the Acquisition of Property Act. This acquisition requires prompt payment of just compensation to the owner. The source added that there is no way the project could be completed soon if some landowners like Khumotaka continue to deny the contractor access to their homes.
The contractors are said to have done additional rerouting in and around inaccessible homes, but in some instances, it has proven difficult to realign the pipeline. With Khumotaka tasked with ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion, Mmegi contacted her to clarify her alleged conflicts in the matter. Although Mmegi’s enquiry was directed to her personally, Khumotaka instead asked that the questions be directed to the ministry spokesperson.
The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, however, washed its hands of Khumotaka’s matter, indicating that she is better placed to answer them herself. “Kindly be advised that the matter raised relates to privately owned property and does not fall under custodianship, ownership, or statutory mandate of the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement,” ministry spokesperson Donnell Kutlapye said in a response to Mmegi’s questions.
Kutlapye said the ministry has no legal authority, jurisdiction, or interest to intervene in or comment on matters concerning private land use unless such lands form part of a government programme or are subject to statutory regulation under the ministry portfolio.
Asked if the PS is not conflicted in the matter, Kutlapye said the ministry does not comment on matters that fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies or investigative bodies. Speaking of law enforcement agencies, the Kanye sanitation project came to a standstill a few years back when the contract was investigated by the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS). The project commenced after October 2022, when the contractor was issued a clearance certificate by the DIS.
The tender was initially awarded to the Chinese contractor Unik Construction in 2015, but Estate Construction took the matter to court. The Court of Appeal (CoA) then awarded the tender to Estate Construction in 2018.