MIST Committed To Combating Corruption in the Construction Industry

?By Esther Amogelang:??To correct wrong, you first should acknowledge it?. These sentiments were said by Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Johnie Swartz when opening the Construction Pitso Programme at Gaborone International Convention Centre (G.I.C.C) yesterday.

The event which was graced by many from construction industry in partnership with representatives from Ministry of Transport and Communication, Local Governments, Mineral Energy and Water Resources and Lands and Housing was to bring all stakeholders from the construction industry to try and discuss issues affecting them.

Hon Swartz said the idea came two years ago with the main reason of coming closely with different stakeholders to discuss challenges in the construction industry. Swartz admitted that his ministry has been faced with a lot of problems especially in the construction industry. He mentioned poor workmanship, poor project planning and use of complete designs among others which he said is caused mainly by poor supervision of projects. He cited Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKA) as a clear example of failure of consultants to interrogate the designs which then result in cost escalations. The project, he clarrified, was tendered at P433 million when started and is now expected to finish at a total cost of P520 million.

He also added that due to poor project planning, Good Hope Senior Secondary School which was completed at P340 million experienced poor water drainage system of which is a main concern until now.

Among many government projects which has seen funds going into waste ?is? the Hukuntsi- Kang road which until today is still under construction, which the minister referred to as the most expensive ever built road awarded at a cost of P536 million.

The minister warned those who might be involved in corruption practices ?that the hand of the law will soon catch up with them. He urged everyone to cooperate by reporting those they suspect to be involved in corruption.

Swartz outlined some of the measures ?his Ministry is currently implementing such as; quality audit team, design audit team as well as end of activity report. These he said are new initiatives aimed at improving project delivery.

For his part Boccim representative, Mr.J.Mokgosi praised the Infrastructure ministry for hosting the first ever Pitso saying when focusing on long-term goals when dealing with issue in the construction industry it will create meaningful projects and also facilitate the acts in an effort to better the delivery of projects.

He, however, admitted that corruption does exist and suggest that all stakeholders should come together as one to trace what have gone wrong.

He further identified temptations, pressure of business, competition out there and partners among construction industry as the main reasons of acts of corruption.

? 2011, Boidus. All rights reserved.

Source: http://boidus.co.bw/blog/?p=2482

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