21 Apr 2013

The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources is currently involved in over 100 projects aimed at improving the water challenge in the country.

Addressing residents of Mabule last week, Minister Kitso Mokaila said although the results were not visible at the moment, they should expect an improvement in the near future, adding that some of the projects would be completed next year.

The minister acknowledged that water shortage was a challenge, and urged people to conserve water  and  exercise responsibility by paying their water bills on time.

He also urged residents  to desist from watering livestock from sources intended for humans.

He added that children should be taught that water was a precious resource that needed to be conserved. He decried misuse of water by those in the construction industry.

The minister dismissed residents’ complaints that since the takeover of by Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), they have been charged exorbitantly. 

"Bills depend on the way you use water".

He noted that they had an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to give them water that was not fit for human consumption. He said the water would be given to residents to use for livestock.

He further explained that as a way to curb the mismanagement of water, his ministry has introduced prepaid standpipes so that every individual paid according to their usage.

“This way everyone will pay for the water they use, but those under the destitute programme will be accordingly assisted by the council,” he explained.

On other issues, the minister told residents that the power outages they were experiencing were not exclusive to their area because there was power shortage the whole country.

He noted that South Africa, where Mabule residents got their electricity, was also experiencing the same challenge.

He said the fact that the Morupule B Power Station could not be completed on time, and that Eskom could also not meet its agreement terms, has worsened the situation.

He however said that the ultimate goal was for Botswana to be self sufficient in electricity and even have a surplus.

For their part, residents said there was no proper consultation prior to the takeover by WUC. They also had mixed feelings about prepaid standpipes.

One of the residents, Mr Tselakgopo Mogwase said prepaid standpipes disadvantage poor people indicating that  business owners such as construction companies would buy large quantities of water which would result in shortage.

Another resident, Mr Morewang Kwaphapala said prepaid standpipes were the only fair means of using water.

He however requested that relevant authorities should ensure that water coupons were readily available.

He suggested that BotswanaPost be engaged in selling such coupons for easy access by rural communities. ENDS