Our Roads Need Urgent Attention
Monday, March 01, 2021
It seems the virus is mutating, making it even more difficult to control, even lessen fatalities. There is yet another matter that also brings death to many a families' doorstep; our roads. Our roads are a deathtrap.
Any motorist driving around Gaborone will attest to the fact that most roads are in a poor condition for motorists to be driving. Our roads have so many potholes that drivers don't go for long distances without running into a pothole. Potholes, as we all know, are dangerous and can cause accidents. When talking about accidents on our roads, we rarely mention the condition of our roads as another factor that can contribute to fatal accidents, but they do! Most roads in Gaborone need not only an experienced driver, but also someone familiar with particular roads, and perhaps know where the potholes are located to manoeuvre. For those who are not familiar with the roads, it is a total nightmare as the driver will only notice the pothole when they are very close, and some may swerve without observing to avoid the pothole, which sadly may result in an accident.
The P300 million internal roads tender is a case study. A bidder’s complaint revealed alleged irregularities. A tribunal ordered a re-evaluation.The council and the initial winner appealed to the High Court. Now, the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, frustrated by the delay, writes to the council suggesting the tender be cancelled, and an alternative procurement model be explored, while the matter is still before the courts....