07 Dec 2021

The North West District (NWD) continues to experience water supply woes in some areas, due to inadequate water sources and vandalism of infrastructure.

North West District Council chairperson, Mr Kebareeditse Ntsogotho stated that although the water supply situation had gradually improved, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) still experienced a high level of vandalism in areas such as Kareng, Sehithwa, Etsha and Sepopa.

Mr Ntsogotho appealed to councillors to assist the corporation by using various platforms to provide public awareness and education to curb acts of vandalism on the infrastructure.

He expressed concern over an increased debt from P60 million to the current P67 million since the last full council session.

He said it was evident that consumers did not pay water bills, therefore urged the councillors to encourage the public to settle their water bills to avoid disconnections and inconveniences, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people were expected to wash hands regularly.

Nonetheless, he expressed his excitement over the completion of the upgrading and rehabilitation of Shakawe Water Treatment Plant, Master Balancing Reservoir and Transmission pipeline project.

Mr Ntsogotho said since September 30, residents of Shakawe, Mohembo West, Ukusi, Samuchima, Xhaoga and Nxamasere were benefiting from the plant and new applications were received for plot connections.

He further indicated that a works contract for the design and construction of Mokgacha Extension and Process Improvement of Seronga Treatment Plant was progressing well, currently at 72 per cent, adding that it was expected to be delivered this month.

He said the delays in the completion of the project were caused by three sections of the road crossing the pipeline in Mokgacha.

 The chairperson noted that WUC was in the process of upgrading and improving water supply, water distribution network and sanitation reticulation in Maun.

“This commitment is evidensed by the implementation of Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Upgrade Phase 2 project, whose contract 1 is at 44 per cent as at the end of October,” he said. 

He indicated that the project, which commenced in October 2019, was expected to culminate in November 2022, employing a total of 377 people, 350 citizens and 27 foreigners. Councillor Ntsogotho said contract 2 comprised of borehole equipping, borehole collector lines, water treatment plant and transmission lines from Nxaraga to Shashe Booster Station. 

This project, he said, was expected to be completed in February 2023, he said, adding that it was intended to increase water supply and reliability in Maun and its satellite villages.

He stated that water capacity at Lake Ngami, as the main source of water supply to the Sehithwa extension area, stood at 23 per cent covering 65 square kilometres. ends