Re-construction of Sefhare- Mahalapye road a relief for motorists

Dirang Lekuntwane | Thursday November 13, 2014 11:55

The Mahalapye Sub Council has in the past spent millions of Pula re-patching the old tarred road after heavy rains. The situation was worsened by the high flow from the CBD drainage system, which flooded the bus station.

Mmegi has established that a company called Drosophillar (PTY) Ltd was contracted to fix the road at the tune of P727,000

The company project manager, who only identified himself as Cedrick, revealed that construction on the road would be completed within 10 weeks.

He said the road would be completed in two phases, adding that the construction company would provide transportation, labour and machinery.

The Mahalapye Sub Council is expected to provide the construction material such as gravel, cement and interlocking bricks.

“We have employed more than 50 local workers. You can see that we are contributing positively into the lives of the locals. We are also working hand in hand with the council personnel, consultants and area politicians here,” he said.

Despite these developments, the project appears to be behind schedule.

Principal roads engineer for Mahalapye Sub Council, Boemo Onamile, revealed that it would be impossible to complete the road on November 17 as anticipated, adding that the project was behind schedule due to several factors.

“The project is already behind schedule because of mobilisation technical problems. We have already encountered a shortage of gravel from the company that provide us with such,” he said.

Onamile explained that although the project was behind schedule, there was a time expansion period, which could take course once approved by the relevant committee for adjudication.

“So far the company for this project has already submitted the request for a five week extension period even though it has not yet been approved,” he said.

Onamile said the drainage system had always given the Mahalapye Sub Council sleepless nights.

“The drainage system here is problematic. It has not been addressed due to economic challenges. The budget for the current year has been exhausted. We are however positive that it will be reviewed when the economic situation improves,” he said.