Onalenna Modikwa
5 September 2008
Selebi- Phikwe — The mining town is currently halfway through the 2008/2009 financial year. It has experienced some landmark events in its economic development.
The setting up of some private companies to invest in the town and council's expeditious implementation of development projects provides good evidence.
To add on to the council's development projects, the town hosted a new drilling company, Discovery Drilling Company, the first to invest in the town.
The exploration company also supplies drilling equipment. It was established in 1999 and it has since grown into an effective business. It has already been contracted to BCL mine and it will soon start importing equipment in Botswana through Selebi- Phikwe.
At the opening of the company offices, Minister of Lands and Housing, Nonofo Molefhi, said it was a pleasure for the town to host an interested investment company.
"A few years ago, we as the town MPs approached former President, Festus Mogae, about our concerns about the future and prospects for our town. We were assured that government will endeavour to grow the town into an investment zone and economic hub in the eastern part of Botswana".
He noted that as part of the broader diversification of the town's economy, Discovery Drilling, now a resident company, should embrace government policies and outsource its initiatives.
"You have demonstrated to other companies to come and invest here and I will pursue BCL to consider resident companies in awarding of tenders to help them grow and in turn develop the town's economy. I congratulate the bold decision to invest in Phikwe," announced Molefhi.
He indicated that in partnership with the BCL mine and the diversification committee, he asked the government to demonstrate its commitment towards saving Phikwe from becoming a ghost town and a consultancy was set up to ensure that it does not become a stand alone in events of mine closure.
A coordinator was appointed last year to implement the recommendations of the consultants that were engaged to identify prospects of the town's economic development.
One of the town's achievements was the occupation of the Botswana Development Corporation factory shell by Talana Farms. The farm utilises the factory shell that had been lying idle for many years as a warehouse for their farm produce for supply to local and national wholesalers.
Meanwhile, one of the major projects that the town council prides itself in is the construction of nurses' flats in Botshabelo which is almost complete even though the contractor has problems procuring small items such as manhole covers and kitchen units. However, council is doing everything to assist the contractor to deliver. The construction of a drug storeroom at Tapologong Clinic is almost complete but the contractor cites unavailability of materials such as doors in the local market as the reason for the delay.
On the other hand, the construction of ARV distribution centres at the clinic and at Industrial site is practically complete with only electrical reticulation, data cabling and furnishing unfinished.
The construction of a boundary wall at Botshabelo Clinic is ongoing but at a very slow pace and the council has already registered its complaint with the contractor, according to the Mayor, Amogelang Mojuta.
Funds for the construction of a maternity wing at Sesame Clinic and the design of a new clinic at the new Phase 111 have been approved and the tender documents are being prepared.
The project memorandum for the design of the expansion of the council chamber and offices is yet to be approved. This is one of the projects that are being coordinated by the project implementation unit at the Ministry of Local Government.
On the other hand, the consultant and contractor who had been engaged to upgrade Botshabelo North infrastructure are busy doing the final inspection to rectify the defects and reinstatement of fences on the plots which were affected by the development.
Water Utilities Corporation has also completed the inspection and chlorination of the new water network and currently the connection to the new customers is in progress. Though 11 customers are already connected to the new reticulation system, progress has been very slow due to shortage of water metres on the market. The corporation is exploring all avenues to expedite the procurement of materials to complete the project by the end of next month.
The detailed designs of the bus rank have long been submitted and the project is yet to take off the ground. However, the process of acquisition of land, which was leased to BCL mine, forming part of the project site is delayed. The Mayor says the council has solicited legal services from the Central District Council to resolve the issue.
The construction of storm-water drainage facilities at the Western area is well ahead of schedule and the progress is 57percent complete. The contractor is said to be performing even beyond contractual expectations.
The upgrading of Independence Road to a dual carriage way is ongoing but the project is behind schedule due to delays in relocation of BPC, BTC and WUC. Here the town has problems with partners who impede each others' efforts to uplift the livelihoods of their customers.
Council has recently procured 10 sewage pumps for use in various pump stations in order to ensure programmed maintenance of the sewage pumping equipment. This will help to improve pumping capacity and ensuring a safe and clean environment.
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