Mozambique envoy decries delay of museum

Tumelo Mouwane | Wednesday August 17, 2016 15:02

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the town mayor’s office, Fernandes said construction was supposed to be underway by September 5 but it looks like the schedule is behind time.

“We are concerned about the progress of the erection of the museum. It looks certain that the project is behind schedule. I am under a lot of pressure from headquarters. It looks like things are going slowly. We don’t know what the council can do to make sure the project is completed this year.

“We were supposed to launch the biddings and open the contest for construction companies at this time,” he said.

The museum will be erected in honour of the role played by the Kgaboesele family during the 1960s Mozambican liberation struggle. The Mozambican government intends to transform the Kgaboesele house in Lobatse into a museum.

The million Pula project will be financed by the Mozambican government. According to Mozambican officials, the museum will be built in recognition of the hospitality accorded to the late Samora Machel. Machel was a liberation fighter and former President of Mozambique.

Lobatse deputy mayor (technical), Oganne Gontse, said they were doing all they could to ensure that construction commences.

“There have been minor adjustments which had to be considered. We are running up and down to ensure commencement of construction. The drawings have been fully completed except for the minor setbacks. We have engaged our architects and other external architects to overcome the minor setbacks on the drawings. We are working around the clock to get exemptions for extra land in front of the museum and issues of parking,” Gontse said.

Gontse further said consultations are underway with the Kgaboesele family.

“One of the last things which we are still working on is consultations with the Kgaboesele family and the neighbours,” Gontse said.