The assessment of damage caused by floods on roads will continue with the help of other stakeholders, including the Botswana Defence Force, transport and communications minister, Mr Nonofo Molefhi has said.

Speaking during tour of the Mosete/Nata and Sepako/Manxotai roads recently to investigate the damage caused by floods, Mr Molefhi said there was need to conduct proper investigations to locate the water sources which led to flooding in those areas.

He said the assessment of roads would include Lepashe and Matsitama as those areas were also affected by floods.

The minister said after their investigations, they would deploy the Department of Roads and Transport together with the disaster management committee in those areas.He also toured Nkadzikulo Ward in Sepako where 111 students and 15 patients were affected.

The area was flooded by the Dzibanana River which flows from Zimbabwe. Since the area started flooding, the BDF and police have been assisting with transport through their speed boat and air boat every day.

On other issues, he explained that the situation had to be addressed expeditiously as it might affect learning . The roads engineer at the regional roads department in Francistown, Mr Belang Senyarelo noted that they would start road maintenance soon.

Mr Senyarelo said most affected areas were between the veterinary gate and Sowa Town turnoff as well as the Manxotai road which required more concentration.

The MP for Nata/Gweta, Mr Ryner Makosha said he was not pleased with the Sepako/Manxotai Road. He noted that the cause of the damage was a direct result of poor workmanship.

Mr Makosha said the company which was responsible for its construction should not be allowed to claim retention money and instead the money should be used to maintain the road. He also praised members of the BDF and police for coming to the aid of residents.

Source : BOPA Author : Mpho Goitsemang Location : Tutume Event : Assessment tour Date : Jan 28 Mon,2013