Kasane drinks sewerage and human waste

Staff Writer | Friday November 5, 2010 00:00

Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, confirmed during question time of the House in response to a question by Kgosi Mmualefhe of Chobe.

Kedikilwe said that the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) took over the operation of the water supply scheme from the Department of Water Affairs in February this year.  'Before the corporation's takeover, there have been reported incidents of human faecal contamination of water in the Chobe Region.  This happened primarily due to frequent blockage of sewage systems, backflow of sewer when there is power failure and resultant pollution of the Chobe River,' he said. 

He said WUC has short-term measures.  'A long term master plan will soon be developed to address the water supply situation in the Chobe region.'

Kedikilwe said that the measures put in place include deployment of WUC full-time laboratory personnel, and intensified regular water quality monitoring of both raw, processed and distributed water.

'There is on-site chlorination of water as part of the standard water treatment process.

Other measures include cleaning tanks,reservoirs and plants every three months, public sensitisation and education, as well as engaging Botswana Bureau of Standards to monitor compliance on an ad hoc basis from time-to-time.