Thune Dam construction suspended

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Friday July 2, 2010 00:00

Addressing stakeholders in Mathathane yesterday, project coordinator, Tasala Nsimbi said due to the stoppage there is no progress at the dam site. There is also no progress with any bridge work on site. However, bush clearing on site has started on the road to enable surveying to take place. During an interview, Tasala said the project was already under pressure and behind schedule but it was up to the contractor to see how he would speed up to meet the deadline. 'The contractor will bear the consequences. Issues of the rainy seasons tampering with the construction of bridges are also likely to be a challenge.'

There are other issues that the contractor has to fulfil before the dam construction can progress, he added.  He noted that Thune Dam is expected to meet domestic water needs of a number of villages in Bobirwa area as well as to provide water requirements for the irrigation scheme to be situated near Mathathane. The dam project that started last April is expected to be complete by April 2013. Nsimbi noted that to date the contractor has met the obligations for the dam, road and bridgeworks contract although the health and safety method statement requires further refinement and the order to start work has not been issued yet.  On the housing contract, the project coordinator said external works, septic tanks and sewer reticulation is on course as well as external boundary, which have been placed awaiting backfilling. Internal roads have been set out and adjustments made to minimise falling of trees. The water treatment works and pumps stations and water supply pipelines and storage structures contracts are not yet out to tender.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources permanent secretary, Boikobo Paya indicated that the contractor is behind schedule by four weeks in the construction of staff housing with the overall progress estimated at 54 percent. The anticipated completion is September.  He added that the Department of Water Affairs has paid Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) P40 million for the provision of power to the dam site. 'BPC has engaged the consultant who will be supervising the construction of power line to the site.' He said tender documents for the water treatment and pipeline contracts are ready but due to insufficient funds these two components of the dam project may be deferred by at least two fiscal years up to 2012/2014.

He added that the dam construction will help create employment and generate income from small businesses as well as job skill transfer due to working with contractors and consultants with different backgrounds and cultures.

He indicated that environmental management and monitoring will be a continuous process throughout the project execution and any grave discovered will be reported and appropriate measures taken.