23 Aug 2021

Ntsweng Heritage site and related infrastructure development is reportedly behind schedule owing to challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

This was revealed during a tour of development projects in Molepolole by Kweneng District Council (KDC) chairperson Motlhophi Leo on Friday.

Once complete, the project will be a spectacle to watch and a dominant landmark feature boasting a unique design that depicts the uniqueness of the landscape at Ntsweng Heritage site as well as its natural environment.

The distinctive design is a new concept in the cultural sphere with multiple buildings spread across the site. Some of the key features are the museum building, observatory deck and an amphitheater with a capacity to host 2 500 people as well as a restaurant and a camping site.

“The P48m project built on a massive chunk of land measuring about 59.7 hectors commonly known as Ga Mmakgosi is at 36 per cent although it should have been at 50 per cent progress wise according to the project architect,” Leokeditswe Senna who also doubles as a the lead consultant said.

Senna explained that the project was awarded in November 2020 at a value of P48 million and was to be completed in March 2022.

However, he said the COVID-19 had severely affected progress on site because of delays in procuring materials specifically steel.

Nevertheless, he has pointed out that the contractor was working round the clock to fasttrack some of the activities, such as increasing labour to fast track progress.

He indicated that the project should have been at 50 per cent complete by now.

KDC chairperson Leo explained that the objective of the tour was to check progress made thus far since government was concerned over delays of projects.

He however said as a result, government had encouraged civic leaders to always consult with project implementers to appreciate progress and challenges on the ground

Further, he pointed out that there was a serious challenge of project implementation such that contractors end up abandoning projects that had been fully funded emphasising that this was a worrisome trend.

Department of National Museum and Monuments director, Stephen Mogotsi said in 2011 government, found it necessary to exploit cultural and natural resources especially heritage sites to inculcate self-pride in communities and create job opportunities.

He highlighted that this project had the potential to be replicated in other parts of the country. At present, there are about 2 000 heritage sites in this country.

When the heritage site project was started around 2015, he said it was an ESP project and had limited funds.

It was later on escalated and infused into NDP 11 to secure adequate funding.

Mogotsi said the project was anticipated to create jobs for women, youth and artists.

Lastly, he said he hoped that the project would be a source of pride not only for Bakwena but the entire nation.

Kgosi Sechele I Museum Trust chairperson, Kgosi Basiamang Garebakwena said once complete, it is expected that the project would create permanent jobs by providing a market access and income generating projects to underprivileged handicraft workers through the sale of their produce to the museum craft shop and by so doing create a reliable market for handicraft workers in the district.

The project is further aimed to improve the financial situation of the museum and enhance the understanding and appreciation of cultural material amongst Bakwena while sustaining indigenous knowledge and abilities of local communities. ENDS