02 Apr 2024

Mogoditshane/Thamaga councillors have passed a motion calling for the council to drill boreholes in government schools’ premises in the district as a way of reducing costs.

The motion was tabled by Gabane North East councillor, Mr Ofentse Mareme who argued that his proposal was in response to the high water bills that the council had been incurring.

Presenting the motion recently, Mr Mareme argued that if the motion was approved, the funds saved from the water bills could be used for other development projects.

He noted that the council spent a significant amount of money each month on water bills, and that this money could be spent elsewhere.

“In November and December last year, three schools namely, Mogoditshane, Pule and Moamogwe primary schools had bills amounting to over P100 000 each with Mogoditshane primary schools with the highest bill of over P125 000,” he said.

He also noted that several other schools such as Dihutso, Mokolodi, Ramaphatle, Nkoyaphiri and Seremane in the same months had bills of over P20 000.

Mr Mareme stated that there was no legislation that prevented the council from drilling boreholes as long as the necessary water rights were obtained from the Department of Water Affairs.

However, he emphasised that it was important to ensure that certain safety measures were put in place to protect school children from potential contamination.

He also suggested that the borehole water pipes could be run parallel to the potable water pipes, with borehole water used for toilets and potable water used for drinking and cooking.

In addition to the potential cost savings, Mr Mareme also highlighted the environmental benefits of the initiative.

He stated that if the plan was approved, the schools could become greener, with gardens and lawns maintained using the water from the boreholes.

Mr Mareme also suggested that a quality assurance manager or officer should be hired to ensure that the water was safe for the intended uses.

This would include testing for contaminants and monitoring water quality on a regular basis.

Other councillors welcomed the motion.

Councillor for Thamaga South, Ms Thato Modumedi expressed concern about the country’s financial situation and the need to find ways to reduce expenses.

She said that drilling boreholes in schools would be a cost effective solution that would free up money for other important projects.

Thamaga East’s councillor, Mr Pulane Piet saying if the council were to drill boreholes in schools, the money saved on water bills could be used to address other pressing needs, such as fixing leaks and advance other government programmes and projects.

The council also adopted a motion by nominated councillor, Dr Tebogo Motlhagodi that requested the Ministry of Finance to reconsider non tax payments to pensioners starting April including those who were already on pension. ENDS