Costly Sepopa-Gumare road project reaches Parley

That was after It recently emerged that the project is not only behind schedule, but its costs have ballooned to more than twice the original budget. Due to the worrying state of the project, last month, the PAC explored options to summon former Transport Minister, Eric Molale, and his former permanent secretary (PS), Kgomotso Abi, to appear before the committee and answer question on the project. But this week in Parliament, Okavango West legislator, Kenny Kapinga brought the road project before the house as more concerns arise that it could yet cost the taxpayer more. Even though Kapinga’s question was deferred to a late date, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) legislator had asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure to give an update on progress made on the project to refurbish the A33 road from Gumare to Mohembo, especially the Sepopa/Mohembo section, which appears to have failed to take off successfully.

It is said that the MP was seeking an update because there was less activity taking place at the site, and that there is also no sign that this multi-million Pula tender will be completed anytime soon. An engineer at the Ministry says initially in the Bill of Quantities, the road was supposed to have a base crusher run, but now they have decided to change the specifications of the project, which was supposed to be a crusher run base.