JINXED ROAD!

For decades, the Modipane–Mabalane road has been the talk of the Bakgatla community.Generations have grown up hearing promises of a tarred road connecting the villages, only to see each plan stall. Some residents joke that the road might be bewitched, as every previous attempt has failed to materialise.A resident who is now a pensioner, told of how the road has been a topic of discussion since she was only a girl. "Now we are women, even pensioners, and still nothing has been done," she said.Another resident in one of the villages in Kgatleng East, Kelly Kelebogile Seemise asked, "Is the road cursed, or is it just politics?”Concerns have escalated following a recent update from area Member of Parliament, Mabuse Pule, who is in the minority Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in Parliament.Pule confirmed that the long-awaited road project has been put on hold after a breakdown in the working relationship between main contractor Pro Serve and its subcontractor, Tau Grading.“The two companies will no longer be working together, Pro Serve is in the process of identifying a new contractor to complete the remaining works. This is disappointing, as many residents had hoped the road would be completed by December,” Pule said.Residents expressed frustration over the delays and lack of transparency. Nyllo Gaoje called for clarity on the amount already spent and the percentage of work completed, warning that seasonal rains could damage millions of Pula invested if the project is left unfinished.Ben Moilwe questioned the construction method used so far, noting that the road had only been compacted and gravelled without bitumen.“Why not complete it in sections of five to 10 meters? That way, progress could have been monitored, and we would not be in this situation now,” he wondered.Other Dinokeng residents, expressed a mix of humour and despair. Olebile Stone Sebako said he would only believe the road was truly progressing when he saw it paved.Another Dinokeng villages resident, Pele Dithologo simply added, “The road is cursed; we must pray harder.”Despite the delays, Pule reassured the community that efforts to move the project forward are ongoing.He also encouraged the incoming contractor to retain local workers, many of whom were previously employed by Tau Grading, and potentially expand employment opportunities.For a long time, the Modipane–Mabalane road has been more than a transport link. It represents hope for easier access to markets, schools, and healthcare for Bakgatla residents.But with the latest setback, confidence in the project has waned. Some warn that if delays continue, public frustration could affect the upcoming elections.For now, the road remains a patchwork of gravel and dust, a reminder of promises unfulfilled. Residents are left waiting, questioning whether the long-discussed project will ever reach completion or remain a tale of lost time and patience.

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JINXED ROAD!