Debswana clears Jwaneng�s sewage stench

Lebogang Baingapi | Wednesday October 21, 2015 16:53

Residents of the mining town have endured the odour of sewage for a long time due to perennial spills caused by faulty infrastructure and blocked lines.

The existing Jwaneng Sewer Scheme, which consists of approximately 88 kilometres of sewer lines, is facing operational challenges due to the failure of pump stations and occasional blockages in the system. A special full council meeting held here last week heard that Debswana had begun purchasing and installing pumps in the town’s water works last September, with the WUC due to reimburse the company to the tune of P2 million. Councillors heard that Debswana is installing the pumps under the oversight of WUC operations’ personnel. The corporation will install whatever the mine leaves out.

However, councillors expressed concern that little progress was being made in addressing the sewage troubles.

“WUC is not showing any sign that they are indeed being assisted financially to address the problem,”  councillor, Benjamin Bakwena said.

“For the past few years, we have had the problem of sewage blockage during Jwaneng Mine’s Cut 8 project. The corporation should be ready to address the problem as the Mine is due to begin Cut 9.” Bakwena also questioned the competence of WUC employees, saying they should be advised to seek technical assistance when there is a need. Another councillor, Olga Ditsie said the change in the situation was moving at a snail’s pace and there was no sign of any help being extended to the WUC.

“The corporation is overwhelmed by poor supply of potable water, sewage blockages and spills nationwide.  The WUC should plan well and not wait for the problem to arise first and then look for a solution.

“This is a health hazard,” she said.

Ngami ward councillor, Bankinyana Montsiemang demanded that the corporation be called to present before the full council so that the house can appreciate its problems.

“We have repeatedly advised the mayor to invite them to our meeting, to no avail.

“It is disappointing to see a mining town with a heavy smell like that,” he said.