Allegations of Favouritism Cloud Water Project Tender in Molepolole
Molepolole North MP Arafat Khan has condemned the government for failing to address the village’s long-standing water crisis.
This happens as controversy brews over the awarding of a multimillion-pula tender for Molepolole's potable water and wastewater project (Contract No. 4) and (Contract No. 2).
Speaking in Parliament, Khan expressed frustration over Molepolole’s persistent lack of essential services compared to other villages. "What wrong have we done as Bakwena? All our former MPs—Daniel Kwelagobe and Rre Mohammed Khan—have spoken about water, sewage, and roads. Why has the Bakwena community been left behind?" he asked.
Khan stated that Molepolole requires P1.5 billion to complete two critical water projects—Project 2 and Project 4—to ensure a stable water supply.
He urged the Minister of Finance to prioritise Molepolole’s urgent needs instead of allocating the lion’s share of the budget to the Ministry for State Presidency. Describing Molepolole North as a large but neglected constituency, he criticised the government's inaction despite it being Botswana’s third-largest settlement.
He pointed to a lack of a modern police station, inadequate water supply, and poor road infrastructure, wondering why essential services remain stagnant.
“How is it that, in 2025, Molepolole still does not have reliable water supply? Why do we not have a fully operational police station? Why is the long-promised Molepolole by-pass road still just a plan on paper?” he asked.
According to Khan, previous leaders—including Kwelagobe and Mohammed Khan—have repeatedly raised these issues for decades, yet little progress has been made.
He called for immediate government intervention, listing five key demands for Molepolole North as Construction of the Molepolole by-pass road, water reticulation expansion projects, completion of the
Metsimotlhabe-Molepolole dual carriageway, building of modern sanitation facilities in local schools and building a fully-fledged police station
"These are not mere requests. These are demands from the people of Molepolole North, and I will not rest until they are met," he declared.
Khan also raised concerns over deteriorating school infrastructure, revealing that 66 classrooms in Molepolole North are currently being taught outdoors due to severe classroom shortages.
He called for P33 million in emergency funding to construct new classrooms and improve learning conditions.
Additionally, he highlighted shortages of essential medication in health facilities, particularly for high blood pressure and chronic illnesses, asking whether the government is capable of effectively managing the healthcare system.
Beyond budget allocations, Khan stressed the urgent need for governance and service delivery reforms, pointing to inefficiencies that frustrate citizens daily.
"Why should pensioners stand in long queues for their P1,400? Why does it take two weeks to get an Omang when, during elections, it only takes a day? Why are drivers’ licenses only issued at BBS Mall? These inefficiencies must be fixed!" he charged.
He further criticised the slow passport application process, calling for a complete overhaul of government systems to reduce bureaucracy and inefficiency.
Khan also called for bold action against corruption, particularly in government procurement processes.
He demanded the abolition of the Direct Ministerial (DM) procurement model, which he described as a loophole for financial mismanagement.
Additionally, he proposed blacklisting companies involved in corrupt contracts to prevent repeat offenders from securing public tenders.
Meanwhile, controversy is brewing over allegations of favouritism in the award of Molepolole's potable water and wastewater project (Contract No. 4).
Concerns have emerged within the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, with reports suggesting that the company expected to win the tender has a history of poor performance and incomplete projects.
According to sources, the same company was previously dismissed from government contracts due to underperformance.
Additionally, allegations have surfaced that a pipeline it constructed never reached full operational capacity, raising further doubts about its competence and reliability.
Despite these concerns, insiders claim the company is leveraging its connections within the Ministry to secure the contract.
The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
This happens as controversy brews over the awarding of a multimillion-pula tender for Molepolole's potable water and wastewater project (Contract No. 4) and (Contract No. 2).
Speaking in Parliament, Khan expressed frustration over Molepolole’s persistent lack of essential services compared to other villages. "What wrong have we done as Bakwena? All our former MPs—Daniel Kwelagobe and Rre Mohammed Khan—have spoken about water, sewage, and roads. Why has the Bakwena community been left behind?" he asked.
Khan stated that Molepolole requires P1.5 billion to complete two critical water projects—Project 2 and Project 4—to ensure a stable water supply.
He urged the Minister of Finance to prioritise Molepolole’s urgent needs instead of allocating the lion’s share of the budget to the Ministry for State Presidency. Describing Molepolole North as a large but neglected constituency, he criticised the government's inaction despite it being Botswana’s third-largest settlement.
He pointed to a lack of a modern police station, inadequate water supply, and poor road infrastructure, wondering why essential services remain stagnant.
“How is it that, in 2025, Molepolole still does not have reliable water supply? Why do we not have a fully operational police station? Why is the long-promised Molepolole by-pass road still just a plan on paper?” he asked.
According to Khan, previous leaders—including Kwelagobe and Mohammed Khan—have repeatedly raised these issues for decades, yet little progress has been made.
He called for immediate government intervention, listing five key demands for Molepolole North as Construction of the Molepolole by-pass road, water reticulation expansion projects, completion of the
Metsimotlhabe-Molepolole dual carriageway, building of modern sanitation facilities in local schools and building a fully-fledged police station
"These are not mere requests. These are demands from the people of Molepolole North, and I will not rest until they are met," he declared.
Khan also raised concerns over deteriorating school infrastructure, revealing that 66 classrooms in Molepolole North are currently being taught outdoors due to severe classroom shortages.
He called for P33 million in emergency funding to construct new classrooms and improve learning conditions.
Additionally, he highlighted shortages of essential medication in health facilities, particularly for high blood pressure and chronic illnesses, asking whether the government is capable of effectively managing the healthcare system.
Beyond budget allocations, Khan stressed the urgent need for governance and service delivery reforms, pointing to inefficiencies that frustrate citizens daily.
"Why should pensioners stand in long queues for their P1,400? Why does it take two weeks to get an Omang when, during elections, it only takes a day? Why are drivers’ licenses only issued at BBS Mall? These inefficiencies must be fixed!" he charged.
He further criticised the slow passport application process, calling for a complete overhaul of government systems to reduce bureaucracy and inefficiency.
Khan also called for bold action against corruption, particularly in government procurement processes.
He demanded the abolition of the Direct Ministerial (DM) procurement model, which he described as a loophole for financial mismanagement.
Additionally, he proposed blacklisting companies involved in corrupt contracts to prevent repeat offenders from securing public tenders.
Meanwhile, controversy is brewing over allegations of favouritism in the award of Molepolole's potable water and wastewater project (Contract No. 4).
Concerns have emerged within the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, with reports suggesting that the company expected to win the tender has a history of poor performance and incomplete projects.
According to sources, the same company was previously dismissed from government contracts due to underperformance.
Additionally, allegations have surfaced that a pipeline it constructed never reached full operational capacity, raising further doubts about its competence and reliability.
Despite these concerns, insiders claim the company is leveraging its connections within the Ministry to secure the contract.
The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
