Swartz dismisses bias claims

GABORONE - The Minister of Works and Transport has dismissed as baseless allegations that there is favouritism in project implementation.
Responding to MPs comments on his ministrys budget proposal on Wednesday, Mr Johnnie Swartz said his ministrys programme is very ambitious, adding that funds permitting all projects would be carried out without any delay.
He however noted that project development is rules-based and hence the slow implementation.
Earlier presenting his ministrys budget proposal, Mr Swartz said a number of projects which were initially planned for completion last year would be completed between March and November.
These included fleet tracking system and the maintenance and management system which was cancelled by PPADB in November 2008.
Mr Swartz noted that CTO is working on new terms and reference for re- tendering while the integrated project monitoring system is scheduled for completion in July.
Delayed projects include computerisation of transport permits and roadworthiness certificates, which was initially scheduled for completion and roll out in September 2008 but will now be completed next month.
He said the computerisation of the driver theory testing system is also one of the projects scheduled for completion next month.
The minister explained that the automation of the work processes is aimed at improving the turnaround time in service delivery, minimise cases of fraud and ensure the capturing of reliable data.
The minister said the Mohembo CTO workshop and staff accommodation project has been delayed due to environmental concerns, adding that the ministry will engage local authorities to consider alternative sites.
He noted that the design of Mohembo Bridge is still in progress.
He said the upgrading of CTO workshops at Tsabong, Ghanzi, Serowe, Mahalapye and Francistown are at design stages and are expected to be completed by May.
However, he noted that the extension of the SSK airport runway and the provision of parallel taxiway commenced in May last year while the construction of the new terminal building commenced in June 2008.
The minister said the projects are expected to be completed in January and May 2010, respectively.
In their comments, some MPs complained that some projects in their constituencies had either been stalled or postponed, while they are continuing in other constituencies.
Gaborone North MP, Mr Keletso Rakhudu asked the minister to confirm whether the Tlokweng by-pass road was the long awaited bypass that would increase and improve access to the Phakalane suburb in his constituency.
He said the suburb has grown tremendously and has generated growth in traffic.
He noted that getting in and out of Phakalane during peak hours is a challenge because of the inadequacy of exit and access roads to the suburb.
Mr Rakhudu also complained about the problems created by traffic circles along the Kgalemang Motsete Road, commonly known as the Western By-pass.
In all fairness I think the minister should not consider removing these circles and install traffic lights to solve the problem.
Mr Rakhudu also complained that driving between Palapye and Serowe after dark is dangerous because of roaming livestock.
The Gaborone North MP also suggested that Batswana should be taught about the use of road shoulders, saying it could be part of the learner driver curriculum.
Mr Rakhudu said he is hopeful that the new terminal building at SSK airport would have comprehensive climate control.
Minister Swartz explained that a consultancy that was engaged to look into the issue of tollgates found that they would operate at a loss.
He said to make a profit road levies would have to be increased but that it would also lead to a public outcry.
Other MPs complained about the vegetation on the countrys roads, saying companies should be engaged to de-bush road reserves as this would also create employment for Batswana.
On the governments failure to construct a childrens traffic school in Lobatse, the minister promised to investigate the matter.
Parliament approved the ministrys recurrent and development budget proposal for the 2009/10 financial year which stands at over P2 billion.BOPA