14 Feb 2016

The Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi says non-compliant effluent discharged by industries into the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) sewer network in Francistown resulted with the  effluent flowing into Ntshe and Tati Rivers.

Speaking in Parliament , Mr Molefhi explained that WUC did not pump effluent directly into the two rivers.

Instead, he said failure by some industries to discharge acceptable quality effluent into the sewer network affected the Mambo Wastewater Treatment Plant and contributing to its inefficiency.
“This unsuitable effluent sometimes causes a blockage of the pump-station which at times results in the effluent flowing into the river.

 Malfunctioning of the pump station as a result of power failures may also result in an overflow of the pump-station into the surrounding areas,” Mr Molefhi explained in response to a parliamentary question.
He said WUC addressed the overflows using sewage bowsers.

MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane had asked whether the minister was aware that Francistown residents were exposed to danger due to overflowing of waste pumped directly into Ntshe and Tati Rivers.

He also wanted to know why there was an omission in providing sewerage lines at Area 25 and in Gerald Estates and whether there were any remedial plans.

Mr Molefhi replied that the lack of a sewage reticulation at Area 25 in Gerald Estates was a land servicing components which is the mandate of the Ministry of Lands and Housing. Ends