BHC denies accusations of foul smelling houses in Maun

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Tuesday June 4, 2013 00:00

 

BHC spokesperson, Tebogo Mmokele has told Mmegi that so far, they have monitored the houses and the bio-box technology installed in them and there has been no evidence of malodour.'We are monitoring the bio-box on a daily basis and the reports we have so far have not indicated any levels of pollution. The technology is working within stipulated performance standards and to expectations,' he said.

He added that an EIA was conducted for the technology and mitigation measures put in place against any risk, including odours. Mmokele was reacting to accusations by NWDC official, Galaletsang Mhapha that the bio-box technology installed in BHC houses in Xhabara is not working properly and has led to a malodorous smell.The houses have not been connected to the sewer lines and use the bio-box instead and Mmoleke blames the NWDC for this state of affairs.

He said that when the Xhabara project was conceived, technical enquiries were made to the NWDC regarding the availability of sewer lines.He said they were told that although no sewer lines existed, plans were at an advanced stage to service Xhabara and by the time the BHC houses are complete, sewer lines will be in place.'When BHC was half way through the project, further enquiries were made regarding sewer pipelines, only to be advised that the sewer project has been shelved by NWDC due to budgetary cuts.

However, the corporation was assured that the Maun sewerage reticulation pipeline is still a priority and will be undertaken as soon as funds are available,' Mmokele said.He explained that as a temporary measure, BHC decided to install a system using the bio-box technology. He stated that the system was installed after full consultations with all stakeholders including but not limited to the council and the village leadership.He said the stakeholders were invited to the launch of the system where a full demonstration was made to show how it functions.

He stated that the system is working well and there is a maintenance officer manning it. He pointed out that NWDC already had plans to undertake the connection of Xhabara to the sewer lines as soon as money is available.Mhapha said it is evident the NWDC is not happy about the state of affairs. He stated that the  malodorous smell is making the lives of the tenants difficult.

He stated that they have raised their concerns with BHC in vain. 'The corporation is blaming the council for not connecting the houses to the village sewerage pipeline but we cannot be expected to foot the bill for them.That is not possible because the council does not have money. The corporation is neglecting the environment that their houses have been built on,' Mhapha said. He asserted that environmental issues in Maun are a top priority because the village is the heart of the tourism industry.He said they will not allow a similar project like the one that has been undertaken by BHC.He said Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is meant to avoid such problems caused by the bio-box problems.