President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama says he will send a team of officials from the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR) to assess the water problems in Tsabong and its surrounding areas.
The decision came after officials from Water Utilities Corporation, Tsabong and Department of Water Affairs (DWA) provided contrasting responses during a kgotla meeting in Tsabong on Thursday.
An official from DWA told the kgotla meeting that they have handed over borehole 9048 to WUC to connect and distribute water to the people, a stark contrast to the WUC official who said that there was shortage of underground water.
The contradiction prompted the President to intervene and promise that he will send a team of water experts to Tsabong in a week’s time to assess the water problems and recommend the best possible solution.
The President said that DWA and WUC would be put together as one unit so as to avoid differences and to bring their expertise together. He noted that despite the challenges faced, his government was working tirelessly to provide Batswana with potable water.
On other issues, President Khama promised to meet with Commander of Botswana Defence Force as well as the Commissioner of Botswana Police to establish the best possible way of curbing cross border livestock and wildlife rustling. He said the intention was not to arrest perpetrators, but to avert the situation.
Having learnt about the water problems in Tsabong, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila promised to visit the area again to fully appreciate the water situation.
He noted that there were several projects under his ministry aimed at improving the water situation in the country. He also advised residents to establish village water committees.
Residents of Tsabong had complained to the President about water shortage and in the process accused WUC staff of incompetence. Residents accused WUC of failing them and argued that DWA had served them better.
Residents also accused the water authority of failure to inform them of impending water cuts and shortages in advance. They claimed that sometimes WUC does not even bother to inform them at all.
They also informed the President and his entourage about the cross border theft of wild animals and livestock to neighbouring South Africa. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Manowe Motsaathebe
Location : Tsabong
Event : Kgotla Meeting
Date : Mar 17 Sun,2013