Cllrs call for monitoring of contractors
Tapela Morapedi | Tuesday March 28, 2017 16:19
Speaking during a special full council meeting, councillors said they are concerned with the sub standard work that contractors deliver only for the projects to become costly to the council.
Leseding Ward councillor, Phemelo Nthwane applauded the local authority for deciding to award the projects to the youth.
She said they do not want a situation where contractors are brought in from outside and in some instances bringing their own labour which would defeat the purpose of empowering locals.
Councillors also felt that consultations on the projects to be carried out under the programme should be extended to the private sector instead of just being confined to ward development committees.
They felt that ward development committees do not understand issues of public, private partnership, hence the need for reinforcement with members of the business community.
However, Phase Two councillor, Lillian Sethula said though projects have been allocated well in both constituencies, she was concerned that the stormwater drainage system has not been allocated any funds, though it is a priority in Selebi-Phikwe East.
Councillors further said that contractors must be strictly monitored to ensure that they do not exploit workers thus defeating Government’s poverty reduction efforts.
The projects that were submitted by the communities from the two constituencies indicated major problems of storm water drainage around town, damaged roads after the rains, wear and tear of roads due to elapsed lifespan.
Council was informed that in prioritising the projects emphasis was put more on facilities that were worn out.
In Selebi-Phikwe East ,projects allocated funds include rehabilitation of Bophirima road, maintenance of primary schools, maintenance of street lights, rehabilitation of Mojamorago bridge, Botshabelo kgotla shelter, market stalls maintenance, Tholodi road culvert, gravelling of roads as well as kgotla shelter at Ikageleng.
In Selebi-Phikwe West funded projects include rehabilitation of road intersections, storm water drainage, culvert reconstruction, maintenance of primary schools, streetlights and culvert maintenance among other things.
A major project that will be shared by the two constituencies is that of the rehabilitation of the stadium that will include erection of shades, installation of spectator chairs and a running track subject to technical assessment.
The project has been allocated P2 million. It has been recommended that though tenders will be used more emphasis should be placed on employment of locals in these projects and that companies engaged are strictly to be domicile in Selebi-Phikwe.
It will also be ensured that all procurement processes, acts and policies in place that all materials are procured locally.
Town clerk, Godimo Garegope said they intend to have the projects run concurrently and be finished by December so that any remaining funds be channelled to other projects before the end of the financial year.
He added that they would work closely with Business Botswana to ensure that all the funds are spent in Selebi-Phikwe.