Government Shifts Mathathane–Plaatjan Border Road Project to Public Works Model

Government Shifts Mathathane–Plaatjan Border Road Project to Public Works Model. The government has restructured the implementation of the 30-kilometre Mathathane–Plaatjan Border Post road project, cancelling the original construction tender following changes to the project’s scope and delivery approach.

According to information released through the Special Economic Zones Authority (SPEDU), the project will no longer proceed under a conventional tender arrangement. Instead, it will be implemented using a public works model led by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, working in collaboration with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Corps of Engineers.

The decision marks a shift towards the use of internal government capacity for the delivery of the project. Authorities indicated that the realignment is intended to support timely implementation while drawing on existing technical and engineering expertise within government structures.

Despite the cancellation of the tender, the government has reiterated its commitment to completing the Mathathane–Plaatjan Border Post road. Once completed, the road is expected to play a role in improving regional connectivity, strengthening cross-border linkages, and facilitating trade and economic activity within the SPEDU region and surrounding areas.

Speaking during an address to authorities in Bobirwa, Minister of State President Moeti Mohwasa said the revised approach takes into account current fiscal constraints. He noted that government will rely on available internal resources, including council machinery and equipment, with additional support from other government units, to carry out the construction of the road.

The Mathathane–Plaatjan Border Post road is regarded as an important infrastructure project for the area, linking communities to the border post and supporting broader regional development objectives.

No timeline for the revised implementation framework has been announced. Government officials have, however, emphasized that the restructuring is aimed at ensuring continuity of the project while aligning delivery with available resources and institutional capacity.