23 Apr 2020

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has introduced water rationing by shutting down water supply on the western side of North East district every night in order to boost supply to the eastern villages.

WUC General Manager in Masunga, Mr Boitumelo Legwaila stated that the rationing had helped to maintain a stable water supply within the district during lockdown. 

He highlighted that villages on the eastern side of the reticulation grid had been experiencing water shortage for a long period hence it was critical as a corporation to come up with measures to address this during the lockdown.

Mr Legwaila further indicated that they had acquired more bowsers from North East District Council (NEDC) and Central Transport Organization (CTO) in order to continue bowsing water in public tanks in Jackalas 1, Butale, Senyawe, Siviya and Jackalas 2.

He highlighted that these villages were mostly affected by water shortage due to being located in an elevated area and the furthest from the source, Ntimbale dam.

Mr Legwaila said the corporation had reconnected a total of 925 households in the district that had been disconnected due to unsettled bills.

He stated that they were looking into opening public stand pipes in villages, however noting that the process would require thorough assessments to ensure water does not get wasted.

Furthermore, he said the corporation had realised water wastage was rampant at stand pipes as people leave taps dripping, causing animals to vandalize the equipment.

Mr Legwaila said they would not be collecting water meter readings for the months of April and May as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He implored Batswana to utilise the WUC App and toll free line to submit their metre readings for billing.

They were working on procuring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and thermometers for every office. Ends