12 Jun 2022

The over P300 million Kasane Water Treatment Plant currently under construction will meet the Chobe District’s water demand, address its water quality problem and shortage for the next 30 years.

The plant will cater for Lesoma, Kazungula, Kasane, Mabele, Kavimba, Kachikau, Satau and Parakarungu.

Following a tour of the construction site recently, Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Dr Kefentse Mzwinila said the project, the biggest in Chobe, was expected to be completed next March. 

He said despite challenges previously posed by COVID-19 coupled with steel shortages and price increases for the material due to the Russia/Ukraine war,  the project would be delivered on time.

Dr Mzwinila explained that the project was one of over 100 water projects the ministry was implementing countrywide in efforts to ensure adequate water provision to Batswana.

All the projects were progressing well and those with challenges were attended to,  he said. 

Water Utilities Corporation chief executive officer, Mr Gaselemogwe Senai said the old Kasane Water Treatment Plant on the riverfront would be relocated to the new project site to pave way for Kasane/Kazungula redevelopment.

Mr Senai said the old plant could not meet the district’s water demand whereas the new one was expected to not only supply current needs but also any emerging ones  such as those driven by influx of tourists and upcoming projects. 

He said while the project was six per cent behind schedule, it was nonetheless progressing well because all critical components were complete. Chobe MP, Mr Machana Shamukuni expressed happiness that the project would address the district’s water challenges. He thanked the ministry and  project contractor for being in constant consultation with the district leadership.  

In his briefing, the resident engineer, Mr Herbert Magosi said the P304 million project,  which commenced in September 2020,  was expected to take two and half years to complete.

He said the project was currently at 56.5 per cent against the planned 63 per cent. Once complete, the project would produce 16 megalitres of BOS 32:2015 water quality daily, said Mr Magosi explaining that the amount would be more than double the Chobe demand of 3.6 megalitres per day. 

He said in case of breakdown, the plant would be able to sustain the district for 48 hours.BOPA