Several key infrastructure projects in the North West District have stalled or been delayed due to financial and contractual challenges, according to a District Development Committee (DDC) report presented during a full council session.
The report reveals that major projects in the water, roads, and public infrastructure sectors are behind schedule, with the non-payment of contractors identified as a primary cause.
Under the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), the Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Upgrade Phase II has recorded mixed progress. Contract 1, involving water and sewerage network rehabilitation, stands at 84% completion but has seen no further movement due to non-payment. Contract 2, which includes borehole equipping, is nearly finished but awaits a power connection. Meanwhile, the upgrading of the Somelo water treatment plant has been terminated at just 21% completion, with the report noting that additional funding is being sourced for a new contractor.
The roads sector is also lagging. The construction of 25 kilometres of internal roads in Maun is at 31% completion, far behind the planned 54%. Delays are linked to a shortage of construction materials and heavy rains between December and February. Similarly, work on the Botshabelo Infill Zone land servicing project was suspended by the contractor due to non-payment.
Building projects have faced similar hurdles. The refurbishment of the Old Maun General Hospital is stuck at 90%, while construction of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) facilities remains at 94% following the termination of a subcontractor. The construction of the Ombudsman regional offices in Maun has also stalled at 55% after the contract was terminated due to non-performance and cash flow issues.
Across these projects, the report points to common challenges: financial constraints, contractor non-performance, procurement delays, and late payments. Implementing agencies are now reportedly re-scoping and re-tendering works in an effort to resume stalled projects.
While some Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) projects have progressed well, the report underscores that delays in major infrastructure continue to hinder service delivery and development across the district.
