BY REGINALD KANYANE
Taung – Construction for new facelift is underway at Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in Taung. The principal agents and architects from Botaki & Associates (PTY) LTD recently handed over various construction sites to various contractors to begin setting up shop for R70m project.
Head of department from Tourism in North West, Advocate Neo Sephoti said they would not allow any slapdash work. Sephoti said the provincial government expects a quality infrastructure which will still be standing and in good condition for years to come.
“These are public funds and as a department and the people of this province, we will not compromise on quality. We will insist on regular quality checks because if anything does not meet the required quality standards it will impact on us as a government not the contractors,” Sephoti said.
She also urged contractors to first consider using local labourers before employing people from outside the area.
“The provincial government wants to improve the lives of the people in rural towns through socio-economic promotion of villages, townships and small dorpies (VSTD). We need a certain expenditure of any project in the province to be spent in that particular village, township or small dorpies.
“In order for this to be realised, we really need to urge you as contractors to use local labour. You also need to spend as much money as possible locally. Through this project you can assist us in ensuring that there is visible, viable and sustainable socio-economic impact in the area of Taung and its surrounding small rural dorpies of the province,” Sephoti said.
Deputy Rector of the Institution, Herman Phetlhe shared the same sentiments. He said that he was excited that the project has finally started.
Phetlhe said that the project will see Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre being transformed into a world class academy with world class facilities. He said that will enable the institution to cater for more students from anywhere in the world.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation because this culminates provincial government’s intentions of making Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre one of the most sought-after hotel schools in the country with the best possible facilities. Upon completion, the new infrastructure which includes a new gate house, double storey student’s residence, ten lecture halls, two dining halls and two student’s demonstration kitchens.
“This will allow us to grow our market in recruiting more students and also help us in expanding our scope of theoretical and practical work. Students will also be able to enjoy a conducive learning environment which is what is needed to stimulate young minds,” Phetlhe said.
-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_
The Guardian 