15 Dec 2021

Various speakers at a Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) stakeholder conference, have commended the institution for improving the water supply situation in Ngamiland.

One of the participants, Mr Molebo Molapisi from Maun Education Centre, said they had noted a big improvement in water supply since the corporation started repairing and upgrading its infrastructure.

He also appreciated the corporation’s commitment to working closely with its stakeholders, citing stakeholder meetings.

Maun Administrative Authority assistant deputy commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe concurred the corporation had upped its game in both the provision of potable water and wastewater disposal services.

The corporation also was doing a good job communicating with customers whenever it encountered problems such as interruptions, he said.

Mr Tebogo Mogaetsho from Sedie Junior Secondary School also stated that the corporation was making efforts to address water challenges, but raised concern about high water bills.

He said during water interruptions, the school resorted to buying water elsewhere, but still received high water bills.

He called on the corporation to establish the root cause.

Although, they acknowledged that some areas were still experiencing water supply challenges, participants expressed hope that the corporation would mitigate the situation.

Earlier on, WUC Head of Business Centre in Maun, Mr Thabo Ndadi had said conferring with key stakeholders was critical, as it could help to address issues of concern and assist the corporation to enhance service delivery.

He said they found it fit to engage with stakeholders for them to understand the current water supply situation, the impact of drought and preparedness, changes to lookout for from the corporation, as well as to update them on projects undertaken.

The corporation, he said, was committed to bringing change through innovation, and putting the customer first.

Mr Ndadi also shared some of the efforts made to improve water supply, noting that Maun supply depended on boreholes.

He said the water situation in Maun, improved significantly after the restarting of Borolong water treatment plant, the optimisation of Kunyere Wellfield and electrification of three high yielding boreholes.

He appreciated support from Botswana Power Corporation to ensure success of the electrification of the boreholes.

While he appreciated the water supply situation was bad in Gumare and Shakawe, the corporation had managed to construct and commission a treatment plant to improve the situation, he said.

Mr Ndadi also noted that some works were ongoing in Seronga to improve water supply there, while Maun water supply Phase 2 project, aimed at improving water supply and wastewater services in the village and its environs was ongoing.

He appealed to the community to join hands with the corporation to safeguard water infrastructure.

He noted the corporation was losing a lot of money through replacement of vandalised public standpipes, adding this undermined their efforts to provide adequate potable water.

Mr Ndadi urged the stakeholders to report any leakages and vandalism of equipment for the corporation to act accordingly. Ends