Africa-Press – Botswana. Focus will be on implementing a water reticulation rehabilitation project to tackle the remaining water distribution challenges in Molepolole.
Speaking at the official opening of the Kweneng district full council session in Molepolole on Monday, the chairperson, Mr Allen Jacob, highlighted several improvements, including the upgrading of primary lines, construction of additional service reservoirs, and network reinforcement.
These upgrades have been planned for inclusion in Contract 1 and are set to begin at the start of the upcoming financial year.
The project scope, accoding to Mr Jacob included the construction of primary sewer lines, pump stations, primary water infrastructure (such as ring mains), and the addition of 9 service reservoirs to the existing four.
This project, he said aimed to enhance pressure distribution across Molepolole village, particularly in high-altitude areas.
The rehabilitation project, covering potable water and wastewater distribution networks, will be divided into 6 packages. It will involve replacing the aged network and providing service pipelines to currently unserviced plots, including Gantshonyana, New Town, and Ranta wards.
Mr Jacob mentioned that package 6 for the wastewater treatment plant began in October 2023 with an expected duration of 18 months.
He said the Designs for the project were nearing completion, and site preparation is in progress.
The remaining four packages, involving the construction of water and wastewater reticulation pipelines, would be executed through NDP12, he said
The chairperson raised concerns about vandalism affecting electrical infrastructure supporting water provision in the district and beyond.
He noted that vandalism was causing frequent interruptions in water supply and was delaying water scheme recoveries.
To counter this issue, he said alternative materials have been attempted, but these too were vandalised upon realising they were not copper.
Regarding financial matters, the chairperson reported that the debt for Molepolole service centre stood at P44.16 million as of the end of January 2024. Domestic customers owed more than P32.3 million, the government owed P11.6 million, and businesses owed P2.3 million.
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