Water shortages loom as Letsibogo Dam level drops

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Thursday August 30, 2012 00:00

During his briefing to the town council, the District Officer Letlhogonolo Nkolane said the capacity is not enough to supply the areas of Palapye, Mahalapye and Gaborone. 

He, however, said there is an alternative water supply from Shashe Dam, which stood at 66 percent full at the end of July. 'Shashe-Phikwe pipeline has been regurgitated and Mmadinare is already receiving water through the pipeline,' he said. 

He added that there are plans for Selebi-Phikwe two get water supply from the same pipeline, to relieve pressure off the drying Letsibogo Dam. He highlighted that the Selebi-Phikwe Master Plan project is going through its final stages, while staff members are undergoing training before it is be handed over.

He said once completed, the project will sustain the town and its satellite villages for the next 15 years. He added that the town experienced problems regarding waste water services in Botshabelo Police Station and Boitshoko Pump Station in the past quarter.

'As a temporary measure, modifications were made to fit bigger pumps at the stations while waiting for the installation of newly arrived pumps. Proper usage of the sewerage systems by the public is still emphasised, to avoid breakdowns of pump stations in the future,' Nkolane said.

Councillor Molefhe Molatlhegi said the situation of imminent water shortage was disturbing and highlighted that continuous water leakages that were not promptly addressed remained a serious challenge. He added that the situation raised doubt on whether Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) was prepared to take over water management from government.  Molatlhegi also said given the sluggish manner in wish pipe bursts and leakages are attended to, the town is at risk of completely running out of water.