03 Mar 2015

Palapye Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) General Manager, Ms Daphne Motsumi has said plans are underway to expand Palapye water treatment plant.

Ms Motsumi told the ongoing Palapye sub council meeting that the introduction of the upcoming development such as BIUST and various industries will result in the demand being more than the production capacity of the plant.

She said the water treatment plant has a capacity of 14 mega litres and treats water from Letsibogo and Dikgathong dams, which is supplied to both Palapye and Serowe.

A portion of the water, she said is also supplied to Topisi, Radisele, Mogome and Mokgware through bowsing.Regarding waste water services, Ms Motsumi said Palapye water waste plant has a weather flow capacity of 12 million litres per day but currently operating at 14 million litres per day.

She said the capacity is not enough to hold the current inflow of waste as a result upcoming developments such as BIUST, BHC new developments and infrastructure developments at Dibokwe will pose a serious challenge.

Ms Motsumi further said vandalism of the system especially theft of cast iron man-hole covers remains a challenge as this allows foreign material into the system.

In addition, she said blockages as a result of untreated waste from mechanical workshops, restaurants, abattoirs, breweries and textile industries also pose a challenge to the system.However, she said Trade Effluent Agreement has been developed and issued to potential customers for signing.

This agreement, she said will ensure that pre-treatment is done before discharging into the public sewers hence this will reduce blockages.

Commenting on WUC presentation, councillors raised concern over high water bills in their villages yet water usage is very low.

They also asked the corporation to enhance communication with customers as in most cases their villages experience water cut offs without any explanation or warning from WUC.

Councillors also pleaded with the corporation to fast track new standpipe connections as the corporation takes longer to connect water for new customers.

In her response, Ms Motsumi informed them that WUC has no flat rate but rather uses stepped tariffs.

She said step one tariff does not attract VAT thus customers should use water wisely so that their water bills do not attract VAT.

She said when funds are available the corporation will expand water distribution as well as install standpipes for new connections. ENDS