UDC petitions Mokaila

Onalenna Kelebeile | Friday July 11, 2014 14:40

They demand that the current spillage into a stream in Botshabelo location be pumped back into the sewer reticulation network using a portable pump as a matter of urgency.

They also call on Mokaila to waive a decision for construction of a sewerage pipeline from Mojamorago pump station to the main pump station.  The pipeline transfers all effluence to the treatment plant to act as a relief measure for the pump station at Botshabelo Police Station. The opposition, through its councillors has been decrying the unsightly situation that poses a serious health hazard to the Botshabelo community during council meetings. Handing over the petition to District Officer Orapeleng Modimoopelo, Botshabelo North, council candidate Jacob Ramogotha said the spillage into Mathathane stream compromises the health and quality of life for the community and their livestock.  Ramogotha explained that the effluent spillage into the stream is due to pump failures.  The spillage, he said, has the potential to contaminate surface water sources and compromise water quality by changing natural hydrologic patterns, destroy aquatic habitat as well as elevate pollutant concentration and loadings. He added that the spillage might mobilise high levels of contaminants and other toxic pollutants and floatables, which threaten beneficial use.

The petition states that the situation is a result of a serious design flaw. A bigger pump station, Mojamorago, feeds a smaller pump at Botshabelo Police pump station.  It then has to transfer effluence to Boitumelo pump station through a much smaller pipe.

“The volume of the pump at Botshabelo is much smaller as it was not designed to cater for the expansion of the Botshabelo transfer,” the petition read.  It further stated that the minister should consider that the community has been patiently waiting for a solution and that it is now time to act. Thanking those who participated in the demonstration, UDC parliamentary candidate for Selebi-Phikwe West Moeti Mohwasa said the poor sewerage system is not only disturbing to Botshabelo community, but also is an eyesore around town.  He added that those in positions of power from the ruling party and Botswana Congress Party have failed the people of Selebi-Phikwe and said the punishment they deserve is  in denying them votes.

During the last kgotla meeting he addressed in Botshabelo early this year after touring the pump stations, Mokaila said there would be no new connection to the sewer line until the situation in Botshabelo is addressed.

He said the project required over P10 million for it to be urgently attended to. District Officer Modimoopelo said he will hand the petition over to the relevant authorities.