No permanent solution to Thamalakane pollution - MEWT

There is very little that the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism can do to control pollution at Thamalakane River in Maun, the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard last week.

Samuel Rathedi, Permanent Secretary at the ministry, said not only is the town's hospital pouring sewage into the river, but other government buildings are culprits as well. He noted that the pollution threatens both the tourism industry and public health.  Rathedi told the PAC that owing to financial constraints, they cannot duly address the situation. He revealed that they occasionally send a team there to assess the situation and advise local authorities on remedies that can reduce the impact on the environment.

He said that they budgeted for a sewage system but priority was given to Molepolole and Kanye. He, however, noted that Maun is marked as an area in desperate need of a sewage system.  In spite of the pollution, residents were long forced to drink from the river due to severe shortage of water after boreholes broke down.  Some residents say the hospital is a threat to their health.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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