The projected water supply in the country vis-à-vis the current supply points to severe water scarcity, which is a major challenge and cause for concern in the country.
“Dams are currently in a satisfactory position and the forecast for the current rainy season is favourable at normal above normal, no rains have fallen yet to result in inflow into our dams,” said Godfrey Mudanga, CEO of the Water Utilities Corporation.
Mudanga said all boreholes around the country have dried up and this has not helped the situation either as it has resulted in overstretching of dams in watering both people and livestock.
According to Mudanga, some areas have faced serious depletion of ground water resources, with the worst hard hit areas being Tswapong North and South, Bobirwa sub district, Serowe, Molepolole and Hukuntsi. In addition he said the situation is being worsened by the serious power cuts the country is experiencing.
Mudanga said the government is working around the clock to ensure that the various projects are completed on time to safeguard water security in the country.
“The construction of two dams, namely Dikgatlhong and Lotsane, is expected to be complete by March 2012 and Thune dam is scheduled to be complete in 2013,” he said.
Mudanga added that construction of major infrastructure that will transport water from the better resourced north to the poorly resourced south is underway.
In addition, he said plans are underway to expand the Palapye water treatment plant to be able to supply Serowe and ensure the growth of Palapye village, whilst the Mmamashia plant will be expanded to cater for growth of the greater Gaborone and the future connection of Kanye and Molepolole clusters.
According to WUC Indicator legend, which showed the water supply situation in the country as at 07 November 2011, the general water supply in the country is not favourable.
The Indicator legend showed that the water supply situation is critical in a total of 28 areas. Water is not sufficient due to water resources, water qualities and lack of reticulation. Some of these areas include Tsabong, Shoshong, and Mahalapye amongst others.
Additionally, the indicator showed that in 46 areas the situation is not desirable; the service is being provided with bowsing and pumping for long hours.
Of the 79 serviced by WUC only 5 areas have adequate water supply and service delivery which is up to expectation.
Mudanga emphasized that water supply situation in the country is a major challenge and everyone’s participation is needed to ensure that water conservation becomes a way of life.
He revealed that Government has availed funds to WUC to the tune of P300 million to execute their emergency strategy to manage the highly affected areas.
“We are not sure how far this fund will take us to; we have, however, forwarded our long-term solution proposal to Government for consideration,” said Mudanga.
