The construction of the intersection of Kudumatse and New Lobatse Road near Nokia House in Gaborone will commence next week, Parliament heard yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, Frank Ramsden, the Assistant Minister of Local Government, Lebonaamang Mokalake, said negotiations regarding who will bear the costs between the government and the contractor are underway.

Mokalake was responding to a question by the Member of Parliament for Kgatleng East, Isaac Mabiletsa, who wanted to know if the minister was aware that the road surface of the New Lobatse Road at what is commonly known as Nokia Traffic Lights was not firm.

Mabiletsa also wanted to know whether the unevenness was due to poor workmanship and/or material used by the builders of the road, whether the road was still within its defect liability period and who would bear remedial costs to bring the road up to acceptable standards.

"The extended defects liability period lapsed at the end of March 2009," Mokalake said.

"That notwithstanding, the contractor has agreed and is expected to carry out the remedial works effective from 25th August 2009. The final payment for these remedial works is yet to be negotiated between the parties concerned, that is the contractor, the consultant and Gaborone City Council."