WUC disputes SADCAS' disqualification claims
Staff Writer | Monday October 22, 2018 12:28
According to the Corporation, the Mmamashia Laboratory has been accredited since 2013, to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, an international reference for testing and calibration laboratories wanting to demonstrate their capacity to deliver reliable and credible results.
“Following accreditation, SADCAS checks continuing compliance with accreditation requirements by carrying out annual surveillance audits to the laboratory,” the Corporation said.
A statement from the organisation explained that a full assessment is conducted every fifth year to cover the full scope of the laboratory.
“The last full assessment of the Mmamashia Laboratory was carried out on 26th and 27th June 2018, the outcome of which was that, ‘continued accreditation recommended, provided that all nonconformance are addressed effectively’ within three months.
The nonconformances were duly submitted within the stipulated timeframe. It must be noted that WUC laboratory continues to operate within the requirements of the said Standard.”
Regarding wastewater issues, the Corporation admits to challenges within the Gaborone wastewater system.
This is due to several reasons. The design capacity of the plant is 90 million litres per day with two plants in one; the 40 million litres per day plant which is still under refurbishment, and the 50 million litres per day plant, which is in operation. In addition, the statement says, the current inflow of sewage is 60 million litres per day, thus exceeding plant capacity by 10 million litres resulting in spillages found in some parts of the city.
The Corporation said a positive outcome on the plant operations is expected with the refurbishment, which is currently at an advanced stage.
The long-term projects to address Glen Valley challenges include completing Plant 1 refurbishment. Completion of 40 million litres Plant 1 will address current capacity issues and is expected to be complete in three months. In addition, there is also an ongoing feasibility study to address the wastewater system. The Corporation assures the nation of safety of its water and wastewater and is working around the clock to rectify any anomaly.