26 May 2013

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has expanded its mandate by taking over wastewater and emptying of pit latrines services from the Francistown City Council (FCC).

This followed the National Water Master Plan (NWMP) review of 2006 that recommended a major restructuring of the water sector. 

The key recommendation was that the water sector be vertically integrated with WUC providing water and wastewater services for the entire country as per the Presidential Cabinet Directive (CAB) 17 (B)/ 2009.

Presenting this at the FCC full meeting recently, the corporation’s acting general manager, Mr Gilbert Matome revealed that wastewater services in Francistown were taken over in February 2011 and these services included waste water infrastructure (plant and network).

Following these services was the emptying of septic tanks and pit latrines that was taken over in January this year. Among these services are blockage removal, inspections for sewer and processing of sewer application forms.

However, on the issue of tariffs, Mr Matome made it clear before the councillors that the tariffs have not changed. They are still the same as when they were under the council.

Mr Matome said in providing these services to the public, they are faced with challenges which include unwillingness of industries to stop burying manholes with backyard and construction rubble as this leads to damaging manholes during grading of roads and collection of solid waste at skips.

He also added that there is vandalism of sewer system where people steal manhole lids to sell them to those dealing in scrap metals. 

In the case of emptying pit latrines, he highlighted that some plots have no access for trucks to go in, which is a setback.

 In response, councillor Stanley Masalila of Tati town ward seconded by Professor Tlou of Itekeng ward, suggested introduction of prepaid water billing system.

 “Water should be bought anywhere,” he said. In addition to this, Cllr Masalila also raised the issue of the public  complaining of delaying of emptying of pit latrines, noting that WUC should have a procedure on how to deal with the isue. 

Many councillors complained of blockages and Mr Matome assured them that his company is currently working on the problem 

“People need education about pump stations and it is not our responsibility only but everyone’s responsibility including you councillors,” he stressed.

Adding to what Mr Matome said, WUC Water Works Engineer Mr Taita Tlhabologang said that high density areas are the ones which give them many blockages, as children throw stones in the drainages. ENDS