03 Mar 2016

The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) in Maun has mobilised a drilling rig to the village to clean, re-develop and test pump previously connected boreholes.

Giving an update on the water situation in the district, North West council chairman, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa, said the exercise was expected to experience some challenges as the ability to resuscitate the 10 boreholes was dependent on being able to fish out any stuck borehole equipping materials including any intentionally thrown in foreign objects, improving borehole yields and obtaining water suitable for immediate potable use.

He said the cleaning exercise was extended to Nxamasere that had been having water crisis for a while. He also explained that three boreholes had been completed and were back to their original depths and yields.

Mr Mbulawa noted that in addition to attempts to increase the number of productive boreholes, WUC would liaise with the ministry to fast track the Makalamabedi-Chanoga component of the Boteti Northern Cluster Rural Village water Supply to alleviate bowsing from the already under pressure Shashe Booster Station reservoirs.

He pointed out that the Maun Water Supply Distribution Rehabilitation and Sanitation Upgrade Phase II project has been funded.

Mr Mbulawa said he is concerned by vandalism of water infrastructure which frustrates all the gains the corporation is making to secure water supply in the district.

He said of late, he got the disturbing news of a stolen borehole engine that was donated by Khoemacau Mine to supply Somelo settlement.

“This unacceptable behavior cannot be condoned as funds meant for another worthwhile intervention end up being used to address these emerging challenges. I urge you all to condemn such acts and further urge the corporation to intensify their safety intervention to deter such unbecoming behavior,” he added.

However, some villages and settlements in the district experienced numerous water supply and sanitation challenges ranging from water shortage, poor to no supply as well as poor coverage of both water and sewerage infrastructure.

Mr Mbulawa revealed that in some areas with limited water supply or totally without a water supply scheme, efforts to supply through bowsing are often constrained by limited resources which are mostly overstretched.

He implored councillors to suggest necessary, but practical interventions aimed at moving the district forward. Ends