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Various stakeholders have commended the collaboration between former Okavango Sub-District Council, now a district council and the Department of Roads in Gumare to maintain the deplorable Gumare-Nokaneng stretch of road as a progressive initiative.
Last year the two entities collaborated to fixing the road, with the council sourcing out a tipper truck, front end loader, 50 bags of Asphalt Premix and road signs as well as providing drivers and operators and being responsible for their remunerations.
Ngami MP, Carter Hikuama welcomed the collaboration adding that it is highly recommendable for the two entities to engage in the project to help road users. He applauded that the development will ensure speedy attention to the situation during the rainy season when the road becomes impassible.
“We welcome the collaboration and I think this has nothing to do with political affiliation but rather a collective responsibility to help Batswana who use the road at all times,” he said.
The public relations officer (PRO) in the ministry of transport and public works Doreen Motshegwa has welcomed the collaboration between the two entities to fix the road. She further said that minister Eric Molale will this month tour all the roads starting from Francistown to Mohembo to examine their state and then come up with urgent resolutions to maintain them.
She further revealed that the ministry is on a long term plan to construct the Sehithwa-Mohembo road in which they have already awarded the Gumare-Mohembo road, where works are already ongoing.
She added that the 70km Gumare-Sepopa road was awarded to Bango Trading at a tune of P110 594 150.68 for the procurement of shoulder reinstatement and asphalt overlay. The 70km Sepopa-Mohembo road has also been awarded to Rockefeller Company at a tune of P97 368 969.73 for total maintenance, shoulder repairs, asphalt overlay, new bus stops and road signs.
Previously, Okavango Sub-District Senior Assistant Council Secretary (SACS) Thatayotlhe Balapi said they have decided to boldly take the step towards fixing the Nokaneng Gumare stretch of the road with the help of the Gumare Roads Department.
He further said that they have decided to invest into the project because it is of very importance to the community of Okavango adding that they will use funds reserved for other project into fixing the road.
Balapi added that through the project they will also fix the water pond in front of Gumare bus rank noting that the main road passing was partially closed with motorists encouraged to use the bypass road which passes next nurse’s quarters.
