29 Jun 2014

Ministries of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources and Local Government and Rural Development are currently undertaking various projects to ensure potable water security for the north west.

North West council chairperson, Mr Lathang Molonda said this when briefing councillors about the water situation in the district.

He noted that adequate potable water provision was premised on optimising the surface and underground water resources available in the district, installation of pre-paid meters to curb misuse and the rehabilitation of infrastructure.

He observed that the construction of the Boteti Northern Cluster Rural Water Supply Rehabilitation project has already started in earnest with 10 per cent of the works completed.

Mr Molonda also noted that the consultants for the Project Management and Construction Supervision for the Rehabilitation of Shakawe water treatment plant are finalising the tender documents for construction while the evaluation report for the Seronga/Gudigwa Rural Water Supply project is being finalised for submission to the PPADB.

He said the three projects are undertaken under the direction of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

The chairperson also stated that the Water Utilities Corporation is planning to roll out the installation of pre-paid public standpipes to all villages and settlements supplied with water starting July 2, this year.

“It is our expectation that this project would be completed by December this year. We believe that it would go a long way in ensuring prudent use of water and water demand management,” he added.

Mr Molonda noted that the consultants for the design study and construction supervision of Maun distribution System Rehabilitation, Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Upgrade Phase II project are to submit their conceptual study report to the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources on July 23, 2014.

Councillors heard that the ministry is also addressing the challenges of Letsholathebe II Memorial hospital’s sewerage through a project involving the design, supply and building of a packaged waste water treatment plant. The design report is scheduled for discussion with the client on July 19, 2014.

Commenting, councillors welcomed the developments but expressed concerns that some villages are still facing a challenge of accessing potable water. They said residents travel long distances to fetch water because their standpipes had been destroyed.

Cllr Tapoloso Mosika complained that some residents continue to receive high bills despite that they have no water in their yards.

Cllr Gaokgakala Letswee said Semboyo residents travel five kilometres to fetch water because public standpipes are not functioning. ENDS