Fresh information surfaced this week that Botswana could soon start using recycled water for irrigation and flushing toilets during water flow cuts. The new development is dependent on test results from an on-going pilot project between Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) and a company called Multi Water and Multi Waste.
The pilot project, which commenced early this month, is currently on-going at two household sites in Tlokweng and Mogoditshane. WUC engaged Multi Water and Multi Waste on the water recycling project as a direct response to the water shortage crisis.
The plan is to roll out the project to a wider geographical area if the recycling technology proves to work. Multi Water and Multi Waste is a company that specializes in waste water treatment technology, sewer cleaning and sanitation. The project was instituted after the realization that bathroom and toilet use cannot be put off even during water cuts. Multi Water and Multi Waste confirmed to The Telegraph that the Tlokweng site has been successfully completed, which makes recycled water usable. The Mogoditshane site is reported to be underway.
It is expected that handover of the project will be done after completion of the two sites. When addressing the business community last month, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Kitso Mokaila said the water crisis situation in Botswana is approaching dire levels, and is often worsened by frequent breakdowns in the two north-south water carriers. Mokaila added that the situation presents opportunities for the use of waste water, further urging the business community to form partnerships with government in that regard.
