Africa-Press – Botswana. The Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Hon. Onneetse Ramogapi, has outlined the ministry’s achievements over the past year, marking a period of tangible progress in water access, sanitation and housing delivery since the election of the new government.
Speaking to the media and the nation, Minister Ramogapi said the ministry has made strides despite facing persistent challenges that slow its work. He cited a shortage of land, inaccessibility of water in some regions and poor sanitation as key barriers to full implementation of national projects. High water bills have also been a pressing concern for citizens and the ministry.
To address these issues, the minister said the ministry has implemented a 30% reduction in water tariffs to ease the financial burden on consumers. Additionally, a 50% amnesty on overdue water bills has helped recover P405 million, strengthening the ministry’s revenue base while providing relief to households.
The ministry has also rolled out 49,800 digital smart meter boxes in collaboration with the Water Utilities Corporation. These devices are designed to simplify water access and payment systems, allowing Batswana to buy and monitor their water usage more efficiently.
On sanitation, the minister announced that villages such as Kanye, Moshupa and Maun will benefit from a waiver on sanitation fees until the end of April 2026. The initiative aims to support affected communities while broader infrastructure improvements continue.
Minister Ramogapi also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to housing delivery through the Bonno National Housing Programme. So far, the programme has produced 34,567 houses, working closely with private sector partners such as Morupule Coal Mine and Choppies. The project has not only provided shelter but is also expected to create an estimated 300,000 indirect jobs across the country.
He said these efforts reflect the ministry’s dedication to improving the living standards of Batswana through sustainable housing, better water management and accessible sanitation. The minister added that while challenges remain, the progress achieved within the past 12 months shows the ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate through collaboration, innovation and accountability.
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