01 Sep 2019

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) is reportedly working around the clock to address the acute water shortage in Maun.

When briefing the Maun Administration Authority recently, the corporation’s Maun-based water works superintendent, Mr Molaodi Dikgang said the project to rehabilitate boreholes to address the water supply deficit was in progress and was anticipated to be completed in six months.

He observed that the dry spell which affected the Thamalakane River, that sustained the village’s supply of surface water had exacerbated the situation.

He said 7 536 cubic metres per day of water supply from Borolong and Wenela Treatment plants, which relied on the Thamalakane River, was lost due to the dry spell.

He noted that the anticipated floods this year were estimated to last a maximum of three months, if the water reached the Thamalakane River.

Mr Dikgang said WUC had therefore intensified its efforts in harnessing underground water.

He revealed that the project to resuscitate additional boreholes from Shashe, Kunyere and Sexaxa was taking shape.

He said currently 11 out of 18 boreholes at Shashe were operational, while four out of six boreholes were in operation at Kunyere and four out of eight at Sexaxa.

Mr Dikgang observed that the current water supply stood at 8364 cubic metres per day from the 17 operational boreholes, while demand was 14 715 cubic metres per day.

He therefore said the project to rehabilitate the remaining 12 boreholes would help address the water supply deficit.

He noted that an additional water storage tank was under construction at Kunyere Booster Station to receive water from high yielding boreholes.

Mr Dikgang said the corporation continued to ration water and supply water using water tanks to most affected areas.

He noted that the borehole resuscitation project was a temporary measure, while awaiting the anticipated Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II project. ENDS