21 Mar 2022

 Residents of Mochudi and some parts of Gaborone such as Tsholofelo East and West, Broadhurst, Phakalane and Gaborone North have been advised to brace themselves for two and half days of water shortage starting Thursday.

This follows an announcement by Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) to shut down Oodi-Mmamashia North South Carrier (NSC) pipeline to fix a major leak.  The shutdown will last until Saturday resulting in water supply interruptions in some parts of greater Gaborone and  the city.

WUC chief executive officer, Mr Gaselemogwe Senai told the media yesterday that the affected pipe channeled water from Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant to storage tanks in Oodi and also reticulated water to the city of Gaborone and some of its environs.

During the shutdown period, Mochudi would be completely dry as the village was entirely dependent on the pipeline, he said. However, he explained that the corporation  would bowse the village and some government institutions such as schools and clinics.

“We are working with authorities in these affected areas so that we see how we can improve our supply during the dry spell,” he stated.

He said areas such as Oodi, Matebeleng and Modipane might experience low water supply or total dryness.

“This calls for water rationing in Gaborone so that to the extent possible, water can be enough for Gaborone dwellers,” he said.

He explained that NSC, which starts from Dikgathong and Letsibogo dams, contributed 55 per cent of water demand in greater Gaborone. Therefore, the shutdown would result in adverse water shortage in the area he said.

Mr Senai assured his audience that the Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant would continue functioning ensuring uninterrupted supply for Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye.

“Our Diremogolo storage tank in Gabane will also be working, watering Mogoditshane and Gabane. 

I believe Gaborone Central and West as well as Tlokweng will also have water although not enough,” he said.

Mr Senai advised against hoarding water as it might worsen the situation.

About the leakage, he explained that it was not the first time it was happening as parts of the 23-year-old NSC often developed leakages. 

WUC head of business centre-NSC, Mr Kebaabetswe Mogami said the corporation had been postponing the repair work as it was a delicate exercise requiring due diligence.

“We could not rush to fix the pipeline because initially it was a minor leakage,” he stated.

He said accessing the leakage was complex because it affected a 1.2 metre diameter pipe. The problem was compounded by the fact that it was between two Notwane River tributaries. 

“It is erected on black cotton soil, which is highly compressible, making this a very delicate process,” he said. BOPA