Staff Writer
Residents of Magotlhwane and Kgomokasitwa are set to benefit from a long-awaited infrastructure upgrade after the government allocated more than P500 million for the construction of a 35-kilometre road linking the two villages. The project is expected to commence in the coming financial year, marking a significant step toward improving connectivity in Boteti East.
Member of Parliament for Boteti East and Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Keoagile Atamelang, announced the development during Kgotla meetings held in both villages. He confirmed that funding for the road network has already been secured, signalling government’s commitment to delivering on its promise to the communities.
According to Atamelang, the road will play a critical role in facilitating the movement of goods and services across the region. He noted that improved transport infrastructure will link producers to markets and enable consumers to access businesses more efficiently.
“Businesses rely on roads to transport raw materials to manufacturing facilities and deliver finished products to customers,” he said. “A reliable road network also attracts investment by improving accessibility and reducing transportation costs.”
He added that enhanced infrastructure would stimulate economic activity, support enterprise development, and create employment opportunities in the area.
Beyond economic benefits, Atamelang emphasized the project’s potential to improve livelihoods in the two villages, where unemployment remains high. Easier travel, he said, could encourage residents to pursue self-employment and small business ventures by improving access to trading centres and services.
The current gravel road has deteriorated significantly, raising safety and accessibility concerns among residents. It was last graded in July 2024 and has since fallen into a worrying state, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Community members have long called for the road to be upgraded to a tarred surface, citing challenges in transporting goods, accessing health services, and travelling for work and education.
Once completed, the Magotlhwane–Kgomokasitwa road is expected to enhance mobility, boost local economic prospects, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in Boteti East.
