Twenty-five road projects are P705m over-budget: Govt audit

Mbongeni Mguni | Tuesday January 30, 2018 17:09

 

At a meeting with contractors this morning, the Ministry revealed the results of a snap audit of 32 road construction projects which showed that 25 of them (or 80 percent) were over-budget to the tune of P705 million. The remaining seven projects were completed below budget, representing savings to government of P93 million.

Mokaila told contractors that a complete makeover of the road construction was underway which would involve dismissals of incompetent officers, blacklisting of errant contractors and an overhaul of policies previously taken as standard by the industry.

He said since taking over the ministry in October 2016, his research had uncovered evidence of massive corruption and wastage in the public road sector, shoddy construction and collusion, all the expense of taxpayers.

“My principal, President Ian Khama called me before October 2016 and told me that transport was the most corrupt sector, taking huge public funds and not delivering.

“He said if anyone could do something about it, it would be me. I am going to do something about it without fear or favour.

“The DCEC is at hand and we are saying no one is above the law. We are taking no prisoners in what we are going to do. We are not intimidated by anyone and you can run and complain to anyone you want.”