Mmegi

‘Conflicted’ PS accused of delaying Kanye sanitation project

Khumotaka. PIC BW PARLIAMENT
Khumotaka. PIC BW PARLIAMENT

KANYE: After the controversial Kanye sanitation project was reported to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), information reaching Mmegi is that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, Bonolo Khumotaka, is among the landowners who are refusing to grant contractors access for the 480km pipeline in the village.

The Kanye sanitation project made headlines recently when it was revealed that the project, initially set at P724.96 million, has drastically exceeded its budget, with costs ballooning to P3.4 billion. The project comprises a 480-kilometer pipeline, 11 pump stations, and wastewater treatment works. It was originally scheduled to run from October 2017 to October 2019, but has since been extended to July 2025.

Apart from the rocky conditions that come with the topographical terrain in Kanye, the delay has been blamed on some landowners in the village who are refusing to give contractors access to their homes. Fingers now point at Khumotaka, who is accused of being insincere and conflicted in the matter. Khumotaka recently informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the DCEC is investigating the project cost overrun, involving engineers accused of professional malpractice.

Editor's Comment
Consult, get buy-ins first for 6 to 6 policy, Hon Minister

While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...

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