16 Jun 2025

The arrival of the annual floods from the Okavango Delta into the Thamalakane River is excepted to significantly improve water supply in Maun.

The floods arrived at the confluence of Boro channel, Gomoti River and Thamalakane River over the weekend, bringing excitement to Maun community with anticipation that it will help address water challenges.

During a recent kgotla meeting in Boseja Central, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) technician Mr Mpaphi Gaothusi had indicated that the inflows would remedy the water shortages and low water pressure issues in Maun.

He said once the inflows fill up the Thamalakane River, the Borolong treatment plant would be functional as it sourced water from the river.

Mr Gaothusi also added that the Nxaraga treatment plant would be operational between July and August adding that it would augment the water supply in Maun and surrounding villages.

The plant forms part of the Maun Phase II Water Supply and Sanitation project and it involves the development of ground water sources including equipping boreholes, upgrading pump stations and installing pipelines.

Furthermore, Mr Gaothusi said water demand for Maun and periphery was 15 million litres per day but the corporation could only supply 8.5 litres adding that Boseja alone needed 1.5 million litres per day.

Residents had also pinned their hopes on the ongoing Maun Phase II Water Supply and Sanitation project which was expected to be completed in March.

They wished the contractors could speed up the project in order to provide a permanent solution. Residents also expressed concern over high water bills despite experiencing serious water shortage.

In response, Mr Gaothusi encouraged residents to take advantage of the 50 per cent debt amnesty campaign which was coming to an end on June 30. The campaign aims to encourage residents to pay outstanding water bills. He also encouraged them to utilise sanitation services saying they should come forth and connect to sewerage network. ENDS