Morupule B bungle costs gov�t additional P5bn

Morupule B was suppose to be complete by October 2012
Morupule B was suppose to be complete by October 2012

The bungling of works at the Chinese built Morupule B power plant has forced government to spend an additional P5 billion in remedial works and power imports, the Public Accounts Committee heard this week.

Built by China National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC), the 600MW plant was supposed to be fully completed by October 2012, but has not been fully operational to date due to technical faults forcing Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) to continue importing electricity.

Appearing before the committee on Tuesday, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security , Obolokile Obakeng said on top of the initial investment of $1.2 billion (P12 billion) for the construction of the plant and related transmission lines, an additional amount of P5 billion was spent, mostly on importing power to cover the deficit.

Editor's Comment
Batswana need to do better to stop FMD

It is a clear signal that the government’s purse is empty and that our own behaviour has left veterinary officials fighting with one hand tied behind their backs. We have been here before. During COVID-19, many of us thought we knew better. We ignored simple rules, we carried on as if the danger was someone else’s problem, and the virus took lives and left our economy on its knees. We are still broke from that experience. Yet now, with FMD...

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