02 Nov 2021

As part of the national development agenda, government has prioritised critical and strategic projects including those related to water provision, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said. 

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony for the Gamononyane-Molepolole connection project in Molepolole yesterday, President Masisi said it was one of those which government found the need to undertake.

He expressed delight that once complete, the project would resolve water shortage that had plagued the Kweneng District capital and surrounding areas for a long time.

Water supply to 15 villages including Molepolole, Lentsweletau, Kopong, Thebephatshwa, Mantshwabisi, Gamodubo and Mmatseta will be augmented. 

“Portable water supply to these villages will be supplied through a pipeline from the North-South Carrier pipeline starting at Gamononyane Pump Station. The present water supply sources within these 15 villages are inadequate as the demand far outstrips the supply,” President Masisi said. 

He said government would also rehabilitate the Molepolole internal water supply network to ensure smooth distribution. 

The project includes construction of a centralised waterborne sewage network from which other downstream sectors such as agriculture would benefit, the President said.

Dr Masisi said water projects would continue to be undertaken countrywide and commended Batswana for being supportive of development projects irrespective of location as they benefitted the nation as a whole. 

For his part, Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila said the Gamonomyane-Molepolole project was in compliance with President Masisi’s instruction that outstanding key water projects be prioritised. 

“This will enable sufficient water supply to reach Molepolole and allow other developments to take place, including land servicing and more allocation of plots,” Mr Mzwinila said. 

Others are the Masama-Mmamashia pipeline and implementation of the Lobatse Water Master Plan. 

Kgosi Kgari Sechele III of Bakwena said having struggled with water shortage for over 20 years,  he was grateful that government had found a solution. 

   The project is due for completion in March 2023. ends