Africa-Press – Botswana. The Ministry of Water and Human Settlement has attributed the critical water situation in Molepolole to the deteriorating state of the village’s water distribution networks.
Responding to a parliamentary question, Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi stated that the water demand for Molepolole is 13 million litres per day.
However, despite this demand being met, the village continues to struggle with severe water distribution.
Mr Ramogapi noted that the current distribution network has exceeded its designed lifespan by over 10 years, leading to an alarming water loss of up to 46 per cent due to dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate pipe specifications to handle improved water pressure.
The minister highlighted that certain wards, including Phalane, Matlhalerwa-a-Botue, Motiketsane, Mokobeng, Mokgopeetsane, Steken Hill, and Sedumedi, were situated topographically above the village’s existing service tanks, complicating water delivery.
Additionally, areas such as Gantshonyana, Sesha, Motswasele, Legonono, and parts of Mokgopetsane remain unserviced.
To address these pressing issues, Mr Ramogapi said that the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) had identified critical areas requiring immediate attention. The ministry plans to outsource intervention efforts, covering approximately 27 kilometers of the distribution network, with projects expected to be awarded by the end of November 2024.
For a long-term solution, Mr Ramogapi emphasised the urgency for the completion of the Molepolole village water and sanitation project, which included design review, modification, and management of a process that began with a 20-year project plan finalised in 2021. Due to the project’s complexity and costs, the ministry has proposed segmentation into six contracts, two of which were currently in implementation, while the remaining four await funding.
The Minister provided detailed updates on the ongoing contracts, reporting that contract six involves the design and construction of a 25.6 million-litre wastewater treatment plant, valued at approximately P608 million. This project began on October 25, 2023, and is scheduled for completion by August 30, 2025, with current physical progress at 41 percent.
Additionally, contract one focuses on establishing primary water infrastructure across the village, ensuring consistent water pressure through the development of nine distribution zones. Awarded at about P664 million, this contract commenced on September 9, 2024, with a projected completion by March 24, 2026, and current progress at 6 percent.
Mr Ramogapi further explained the scope of contract two, which entails rehabilitating the water reticulation network and constructing a sewer network in key areas, including Lekgwapheng, Gantshonyane, and Motanka. This project is of significant priority as it addresses water supply and sewerage challenges for essential institutions such as Scottish Livingstone Hospital, the Institute of Health Sciences, and the Molepolole College of Education, Ditshegwane Junior Secondary School, Masilo Junior Secondary School and Mafenyatlala Mall.
He however, mentioned that the tender evaluation for the project was complete but the award was put on hold due to financial constraints.
Meanwhile, Mr Ramogapi said contract three to five scope would entail construction of water and sewerage reticulation network across the entire village, not covered under contract two and the tender procurement for which was complete but on hold due to insufficient funds.
Molepolole North legislator, Mr Arafat Khan had asked the Minister of Water and Human Settlement to update the house on the water situation in Molepolole following the predecessors kgotla meeting in Molepolole on October 16.
Source: dailynews
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
