Ongoing construction of new internal roads in Maun is anticipated to result in the possible relocation of some residents in Disaneng, a development.
This surfaced during a kgotla meeting in the area addressed by the Tawana Land Board and the engaged contractor, (Bigen African Services) of the project.
The company’s development manager, Jubilee Mokgosi revealed that they will be constructing 11 roads around Maun, some of them being pavements, while others will be of bitumen standard. He indicated that the road that will be constructed from the Matlapana circle going through Disana ward to join the Francistown Road will affect some residential plots in Disana.
Mokgosi has since urged the residents to allow surveyors into their yards to do the cutting and surveying of the plots in order for these developments to go on smoothly.
Though the new roads are expected to bring opportunities and social developments to the community, some residents have however expressed their concerns regarding the intended construction and relocation. They are opposed to the relocation due to the disadvantages that came with the previous road works and relocation.
One of the residents, Babogisitswe Reitseng, complained about the cracked houses that were caused by the previous road works fearing that the new development may worsen the situation. Reitseng also complained about the damages caused by the construction company and failure to repair those sometimes leading to flooding of their yards.
Furthermore, he said that when they are moved to new locations, services take time to reach them, making it difficult to live and survive in the areas.
Another resident, Nelson Rodgers Mathare complained about the small plots they are given after relocation compared to their initial ones. Mathare also pleaded for the construction companies to hire local residents instead of bringing people from far.
For his part, the Disaneng area Councilor Rizerua Kazenambo pleaded for a correct compensation guideline to be followed in order for the relocated residents to be paid well. He noted that previously when residents were relocated, some were not compensated well and on time.
Kazenambo also advised for services like water and electricity to be availed promptly at the new location to avoid inconveniencing relocated residents.
In response to some of the public’s concerns, Maun Sub Land Board customer service officer, Elton Kebohilwe advised the public to carefully read the compensation guidelines so as to understand what it covers. He explained that the compensation in addition to residents being relocated it also covers the point that some are moved to plots smaller than the ones they previously owned.
Kebohilwe further assured them that water and electricity services will be availed as soon as they have been relocated.
