21 Sep 2015

Government has arranged that an underground water survey be conducted in institutions such as schools and camps in order to have a borehole supplying them with water.  Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Mogoditshane recently,  Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila said only boreholes with a high quantity water supply could be used. 

He also explained that since the rainfall status kept lowering every year since 2012, they would opt for an artificial recharge method, re-filling the under-earth with water as the boreholes dried-out. 

Minister Mokaila said while awaiting completion of the Mononyane-Diremogolo Pipeline Project, they would increase the mounting of water tanks (jojo) and water bowsing in severely affected areas. 

For their part, Mogoditshane residents decried of high water bills, some saying it did not  even match their consumption. 

Some residents complained that their businesses had been highly affected by these water shortage, adding that they spent their little profits purchasing water. Responding to their concerns, Minister Mokaila advised that every business institution should buy a water tank (jojo) so that they be supplied. 

Regarding the concern of residents on high water bills, he said the water corporation would investigate the matter, advising affected residents to get into contact with their offices. 

He also said a business should  be cost-reflective for it to continue giving services to the people, therefore residents should understand when prices get hiked. 

Furthermore, he explained that a normal monthly bill should be 30 pula, stating that five thousand kiloliters were charged P10. Mr Mokaila explained that exceeding the consumption would result to only two pula charged per kiloliter. 

It was also noted that the re-cycling of sewage water would commence in the next 24 months, adding that ninety thousand liters of water will be treated. MP for Mogoditshane Mr Sedirwa Kgoroba commended the minister on the idea of the increase of water tanks (jojo) mounted in different wards. 

Mr Kgoroba appealed to the minister that the residents should be workshoped on water billing in connection with usage. 

Meanwhile, Minister Mokaila informed the residents that Morupule B was still under intensive care, stating that in a four weeks’ time all four units will be up and running. He also noted that a 300 megawatt unit is to be re-constructed, adding that it is at tender-awarding level. Ends