18 Jun 2019

 Department of Water Affairs manager in Maun, Mr Kutlo Kgobero has expressed concern about some people, who continue to drill and equip government boreholes in the Ngamiland district without the department’s permission.

He told a recent kgotla meeting that they had written letters to the culprits, advising them to re-apply and state convincing reasons why they should be allocated the boreholes.

Mr Kgobero appreciated that the district had experienced less rains and that the Thamalakane River was drying up, but stated that it was illegal to drill and equip government boreholes without approval by the department.

Residents were hopeful that the river would recover around May/June when the inflow of the floods from Mohembo River, where the river enters Botswana from Angola, but it was not to be.

Mr Kgobero appreciated that there was drought and explained the procedure to apply for a government borehole, saying one had to attach land board certificate to the application and pay P60.

He said applicants could lease or purchase the boreholes, revealing that that if one buys, the department would conduct an assessment first to find out the costs incurred.

Mr Kgobero also informed residents that his department had stopped assisting with the cleaning of private boreholes and only cleans government boreholes.

He appealed to residents to take advantage of government initiatives such as LIMID, ISPAAD and poverty eradication programme, noting that the department has assisted applicants to source water and to develop some boreholes.

He cited horticulture projects at Tsau and Chanoga and fish farming at Kareng, Maun, Shakawe and Semboyo villages. Mr Kgobero also revealed that they assisted some Village Development Committees under the LIMID programme.

Residents requested the department to assist them to remove waste from pit latrines, which were reported to be full or alternatively assist with chemicals but they were informed that such sanitation services were offered by the Water Utilities Corporation.

They learnt that the council had stopped the usage of chemicals as they pose a health hazard to the community.

Area councillor, Mr Maitiro Segosebe appreciated the meeting, noting that residents were now knowledgeable about what was happening.  Providing essential services, including water and sanitation, he said was a challenging responsibility and thanked the department for the useful public education on its services and challenges. ENDs