Botswana's Public Accounts Committee refers Gabane project to anti-corruption unit over P107 million cost increase

This action follows concerns over a cost escalation that saw the project's expenditure increase by more than P107 million above its initial contract value. The decision was made during a session where officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs appeared before the committee. The project, awarded to Asphalt Botswana under the Economic Stimulus Programme ESP, included the construction of stormwater drainage, 21.2 kilometers of bitumen roads, and 4.5 kilometers of street lighting.

Initially contracted for approximately P214 million, the final amount paid reached about P285 million, as confirmed by Tshepo Kebakile, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, in response to an inquiry from Ga-Malete Member of Parliament, Boniface Mabeo.