14 May 2017

The proposed P4.6 billion Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) transmission grid project is expected to start soon.
The 400KV proposed transmission line will be from Morupule and is expected to improve power supply in Maun, Ghanzi, Kasane, Toteng and Shakawe in the Okavango District.
Transmission project engineer, Mr Thapelo Thapelo informed residents during a kgotla meeting that the project would address the issue of power shortage, adding that most villages used power from neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.

It was reported that Maun used electricity from Francistown, and that it was not enough to serve the Maun population and businesses. He explained that the project would be carried into two phases.
“Phase one is ongoing and we have completed the tender process,” said Mr Thapelo, adding that they were waiting for the government to avail funding.
Mr Thapelo said contractors had already been identified and that once funding became available, the project would start.

In Maun, he said the 10km transmission line project at Mawana substation would be done, and that the line would extend power to Disana, which is part of Maun and eventually to Maun village so that residents could enjoy enough power. Mr Thapelo explained that Maun needed 17 megawatts, adding that the project would double the capacity as it would supply 40 megawatts.
“Maun village is growing hence high demand of electricity and we believe at the completion of the project, we would see more connectivity by residents and small entrepreneurs,” he added.
Furthermore, he said the project would add value to the local economy as more developments and investors would become available resulting in more job opportunities.
He also noted that the project would make life easier and revive collapsed businesses due to power cuts.

Mr Thapelo also revealed that the project would assist in irrigation at Pandamatenga in the Chobe District, noting that electricity was needed to pump water to the area.
Residents were also informed that the project would affect some of their fields, cattle posts and grazing land.
He said arrangement for compensation would be done accordingly. They were informed that compensation would be done based on developments in the affected areas.
They also learnt that the project would have both positive and negative impact, but were assured the negative impact would be minimised.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be conducted and residents were urged to contribute during the exercise.
Some of the negative impacts mentioned included dust, noise, affected grazing areas and fields during connections, possible spread of Sexual Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy due to the influx of people and criminal activities. For their part, residents appreciated the project noting that it would improve power supply in the district. ENDS