16 Mar 2015

There is more water used in facilitating agriculture despite the sector contributing less to the economic basket.

Department of Water Affairs deputy director, Ms Bogadi Mathangwane said this at the stakeholders’ workshop at Mmokolodi recently.

Ms Mathangwane said the sector used about 40 per cent of the total water produced but did not contribute sufficiently towards employment creation and economic diversification compared to sectors such as mining.

She added that mining, which came after agriculture in terms of water consumption was contributing significantly to the economy. As such, she said they desired that there be sectors that used more water contributing significantly to the economy as well as poverty eradication.

Furthermore, she said the bulk of the country’s surface water formed part of the Okavango Delta while others were from dams that were not yet connected to the main supply line. Furthermore, she added that they realised that the county had more water faraway from residence places, which forced government to connect residents to water sources through expensive pipe lines.

She noted that although the country lost much of its surface water through evaporation, about 40 per cent was lost through pipe leaks. The department’s hydrology and water resources head, Mr George Thabeng said the 2008-2013 water sector reforms was not complete as they were yet to have a water policy in place.

He said the policy, which had already been approved by the cabinet would, among others introduce water and energy regulatory authority and water resources board. Mr Thabeng said the main objective of the policy was to ensure that Batswana had access to clean and safe water of high quality standard.

Furthermore, he noted that the department believed that water should contribute significantly to poverty eradication and economic diversification. Also, Mr Thabeng said the country must embrace recycling of water for domestic purposes adding that other countries had moved ahead.

Earlier, a representative from Balete Tribal Authority, Kgosi Lebogang Masie of Taung said there was an outcry from the community about wastage of water due to water pipes leaks. He said Water Utilities Corporation had not been proactive in response to calls of water wastage.

The one day workshop was to sensitise stakeholders about the new department of water affairs mandate of planning, developing, managing and protecting the country’s water resources for a sustainable contribution to the socio-economic growth. ENDS