30 Jun 2022

A P19 million water supply project for Kuke and Bere communities has commenced.

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) project manager, Mr Moeti Matswiri, told kgotla meetings in Kuke and Bere recently that the project, awarded to Ceego Engineering Services, would be completed within six months.

Some components of the scope of work, he explained, would be to convert the existing unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) designs to high density polyethylene (HDPE) to use trenchless technology and installation of motor control centres for operation of boreholes.

Furthermore, he said they would fence borehole compounds, test and commission pipelines as well as install solar power to boreholes.

On other issues, Mr Matswiri said the water supply for both villages had been inadequate for a long time, but they had resorted to bowsing water as a short term strategy.

Mr Matswiri said Kuke had about 1 226 people and their current water demand was at 100 cubic metres per day while Bere with a population of about 874 had a water demand of 73 cubic metres per day.

For his part, Ghanzi North MP, Mr John Thiite implored Kuke residents to be patient with the implementation of government projects.

He said delay was due to insufficient funds and the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic that emptied government coffers. 

MP Thiite encouraged residents to appreciate the little that government was providing since the focus was on resuscitating the economy.

He said implementation of projects had to be prioritised.

Meanwhile, Ghanzi South MP, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, applauded government for addressing the water shortage woes that had long besieged the constituency.

He pleaded with the contractors to deliver the project within time, scope and budget.

Mr Motsamai also requested for the installation of a treatment plant since communities decried the unpleasant taste of water from their water points.

Kgosi Montshonyana Xoage of Kuke appreciated launch of the water supply project, saying it would push for the completion of community projects that had been lagging behind due to water shortage.

He also pleaded with legislators to consider the distribution of electricity in their village, especially in government institutions for easy provision of services.

For his part, Kgosi Leneke Xharai of Bere said the water shortage was worsened by sharing of portable water with their livestock.

He, therefore, pleaded with the council management to consider re-connecting community boreholes for watering their livestock.

In remarks, Ghanzi District Council chairperson, Mr Jeremiah Tibi, embraced the water project.

He said, ‘it is not only vital for natural life, but also a natural resource that is at the core of sustainable development.’

Mr Tibi implored communities to be aware that water was a finite resource that needed to be managed well and also pleaded with the village development committees and other community members to work cordially to protect all government properties in their localities from theft and misuse. ENDS