18 Mar 2019

 All properties that were damaged during construction of Serowe Sanitation project were compensated.

Assistant Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Itumeleng Moipisi, requested that if there were any other properties not compensated, such issues would be directed to the ministry for assistance.

Mr Moipisi said during the construction phase of the project, residents were encouraged to pay a connection fee of P1 000 to the Department of Water Affairs in Serowe for them to be connected to the scheme.

“Unfortunately, 598 of those who paid could not be connected due to some technicalities such as plots situated at ground level lower than the connection point resulting in no gravitational flow because of the slope,” he said.

He told Parliament that a team had been assigned to assess and recommend how best the problem could be fixed and an estimated amount of P600 million would be needed to correct the status quo and expand the coverage to the whole village.Mr Moipisi said, “This was not catered for under NDP 11 but would be considered during mid-term review.

”He however explained that the planned works at the treatment ponds would be completed by June 6, 2019, adding that so far, the installation of the wastewater treatment facility was completed in 2018.

The assistant minister further clarified that the only outstanding works to be undertaken was the construction of tunnels and the laying of irrigation pipes, which were expected to be complete within three months.

Parliament also learnt that the Serowe Sanitation project was done in two phases (main works and additional works). The main works, he added, commenced in February 2003 and were completed in September 2007 at a cost of P222 million while additional works were undertaken in January 2008 and were completed in June 2009 at a cost of P56 million.

Mr Moipisi was responding to MP for Serowe South Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi who had asked the minister to explain the status of the Serowe Sanitation Project and state when it would be completed.

Dr Venson-Moitoi also wanted explanation on compensation payments for property damaged during construction, connecting those who had paid to the main line and completion of works at the treatment ponds according to approved plans. ENDS