- District Commissioner looks to private sector for assistance
Recent heavy rains have once again exposed the deteriorating state of roads across the North West District, highlighting a long-standing lack of maintenance. The continuous downpours have flooded key routes, disrupting daily life and cutting off access to essential services.
The North West District Disaster Management Committee informed the public this week that the road connecting Shorobe, Sankoyo, Mababe, and Khwai is currently flooded and unsafe. This has forced the closure of the Moremi Game Reserve, as the area remains inaccessible to tourists.
Residents in Tsau, Semboyo, and Makakung are facing similar challenges, with parts of the main road rendered impassable. To reach Sehithwa and Maun, travelers are now forced to take a significantly longer detour through Kareng.
Experts have long recommended constructing tarred roads, installing storm drainage systems, and implementing sustainable water diversion methods to mitigate these seasonal disruptions.
In an interview, North West District Commissioner Thabang Waloka acknowledged that submerged road infrastructure remains a critical barrier during the rainy season. He agreed that urgent improvements are needed, noting that “the construction of culverts and spot improvements in these areas are vital.”
Waloka highlighted the specific need for a high culvert in Khwai, where flooding has split the village and led to the temporary closure of Khwai Primary School.
With the country facing financial constraints, Waloka is looking to the private sector for help, echoing the government’s plan to transition toward a private-sector-led economy. The Commissioner has initiated an assessment of the most problematic routes he Shorobe-Khwai axis and the Tsau-Semboyo road to determine rehabilitation costs.
“Once the report is released next week, I will engage tour operators and other road users to seek collaboration,” Waloka stated. “We are all disadvantaged by the current status of these roads.”
Meanwhile, officials continue to monitor flooding in Khwai, which has impacted several households.
“An initial assessment by the social welfare office found that 28 households have been affected,” Waloka said. “Four households were immediately evacuated to higher ground and provided with tents.”
The village Trust office and the community hall have been designated as evacuation points. An airboat has been dispatched to the area to assist with evacuations, while trucks carrying food and supplies are en-route.
Arrangements are also being made for the 12 Standard Seven pupils at the closed Khwai Primary School. Officials are considering using the airboat to transport students across the flooded sections so their learning remains uninterrupted.
“The idea is to assist the standard seven pupil to continue with learning. They are just 12 in number out of which two reside at the side of the school and the rest at the other side where majority of villagers reside.”
