07 Apr 2016

The government has prioritised the provision of clean water across the country as water is the source of life.

Commissioning Lotsane Dam in Maunatlala on Thursday April 7, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama noted that in spite of the global economic crisis that began in 2008, the government undertook the construction of three major dams during National Development Plan 10 (NDP 10). The three dams are Lotsane, Dikgatlhong and Thune.

Lotsane Dam, which was constructed at a cost of P1.2 billion, provides portable water to 22 villages in the Tswapong north area. President Khama noted that prior to the construction of the dam, the 22 villages relied on groundwater for their water supply.

He said the reliance on a single resource presented challenges during dry periods, as most of the boreholes dried up due to lack of groundwater recharge as a result of poor rainfall.

President Khama said the Lotsane Dam ushers in a new era of conjunctive use of ground and surface flows to ensure sustainable water supply.   He noted that in a drought period, the country also faced food security challenges and that the inclusion of an irrigation component at Lotsane and Thune dams was a testimony of the government’s goal to improve food security in the country.

He said the government has earmarked 250 and 300 hectares of irrigable land to be supplied with water from Lotsane and Thune dams respectively, adding that it shows the forward planning of the government in addressing both water and food security challenges.  

President Khama also noted that the Dikgatlhong Dam and its associated infrastructure have been completed and put to beneficial use. He added that the Thune Dam has been constructed and that there were various work packages for the associated infrastructure under construction. He said the dam and its associated infrastructure were expected to be put to use next year.

He said despite notable progress in the development of water resources countrywide, growing domestic demand and adverse climatic conditions, exacerbated by global warming, have conspired to rob the country of the use of these valuable infrastructures.

“The drying up of Gaborone Dam is a case in point as this has brought acute water shortages for the greater Gaborone area. Be that as it may, the government remains undeterred and resolute in its commitment to provide water and sanitation services to all Batswana,” he said.

President Khama said the government’s commitment to delivering water to Batswana had been made possible through the National Water Master Plan, first developed in 1991 and reviewed in 2006. He said the plan has provided a long term roadmap for the management and development of water resources.

He said the master plan provides a framework under which the government prioritises and sequences the development and management of water resources countrywide. He noted that the 2006 review of the water master plan centred on developing a plan underpinned by an integrated approach to achieve water security by promoting conjunctive use of ground and surface water resources as well as promoting conservation of scarce water resources.

President Khama also noted that the completion of the master plan review in 2006 coincided with a crippling drought in 2005/2006 in which greater Gaborone experienced severe water shortages reminiscent of the current drought facing the area.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Prince Maele said he was optimistic that Lotsane Dam would not only benefit residents with drinking water, but would also benefit them economically through various activities. He noted that during the dam’s construction, some residents were employed by the company building the dam.

Mr Maele, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lerala/ Maunatlala constituency, said the dam would also open job opportunities as it was one of the tourist attractions in the area. He also noted that the dam would support a number of activities such as fishing and irrigation. ENDS