30 Jul 2025

An assessment of the 16 primary schools within Maun West has revealed a concerning discrepancy between available infrastructure and ongoing water supply issues. All schools are equipped with waterborne toilet facilities, but their functionality is frequently compromised by water shortages, leading many schools to rely on pit latrines instead.

Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, told Parliament recently that government was committed to improving educational infrastructure. “Should funds permit, the council will prioritise the maintenance of educational facilities, including ablution blocks,” he stated.

The minister also highlighted efforts to mitigate water scarcity through the installation of water tanks in all primary schools, intended to serve during times of water shortage. However, intermittent water supply and rationing in some areas continue to pose challenges, often resulting in low to no water availability at certain schools. These issues underscore the ongoing need for sustained infrastructure improvements and reliable water supply solutions to ensure optimal learning environments for students.

 “Water supply in some areas is now stable, following connection to the Maun water supply scheme in 2024,” he said. 

The minister said it was anticipated that the situation in most areas would be alleviated upon completion of the Semolo water Treatment Plant.

 He was responding to MP for Maun West, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama who had asked the minister to appraise Parliament on the current assessment of the state of toilets and the overall sanitation in all primary schools within Maun. 

Mr Hikuama also wanted the minister to further provide a breakdown on the condition of the facilities, more especially in Maun West Constituency and to state if there were some schools in the constituency that still relied solely on pit latrines and if so, the time frames for their upgrade to waterborne systems. 

He also asked what measures were in place to ensure that existing waterborne toilets in Maun West were functional given the reports of frequent non-functionality due to water shortages. ENDS