BOBS report clears Glen Valley Plant wastewater standards
Treated discharge water now meets BOBS standards
The Botswana Bureau of Standards ( BOBS) has endorsed the Glen Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant’s successful rehabilitation in its latest assessment report.
The report seen by Botswana Guardian confirms the full restoration of both Phase I and Phase II sewerage plants and, most importantly, declares that the treated discharge water now meets BOBS standards.
BOBS mandates a pH requirement of 10 for treated discharge water. However, the latest assessment reveals that the treated discharge water consistently maintains a pH level of 6, marking an achievement in aligning the plant with BOBS standards.
The revival of this vital facility is through the collaborative efforts of the Beijing Enterprises Water Group ( BEWG) in partnership with the Water Utilities Corporation ( WUC).
The root causes that necessitated this extensive project, as outlined in the project details, included equipment malfunctions and severe sludge deposition in critical process units and tanks. These issues led to sludge deposition and backflow problems, plant capacity constraints, and performance well below the design capacity.
BEWG, a Chinese company, was entrusted with the task of “repairing equipment, enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency, and establishing a facility that adheres to effluent discharge standards.”
Their responsibilities encompassed refurbishing and maintaining the existing wastewater infrastructure and revitalising sewer networks.
This involved repair and installation work in the following key areas; Tsholofelo Sewer Upgrade, Ginger Sewer Repair, Block 3 Sewer Upgrade, Block 6 Sewer Upgrade, Notwane Sewer Upgrade/ Replacement and Emergency Chamber, Gaborone Game Reserve 4km Relief Line, and 1km Effluent Line.
Key achievements included the resolution of odour issues through the installation of two odour control systems, rehabilitation of the sewerage collection network to ensure efficient wastewater collection to the Glen Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction of a new connection chamber to the Broadhurst pump station, replacement and repair of old sluice gates, and the installation of an odour control system to combat foul odours. Additionally, the daily wastewater treatment capacity has surged to 110,000 M3/ day, surpassing the original design capacity of 90,000 M3/ day.
The Ministry of Land, Water, and Sanitation Services which has been under immense pressure to resolve the issue is said to be heavily relieved, as both Phase I and Phase II sewerage plants at the Glen Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant have been successfully reinstated.
This achievement signifies that the treated discharge water now fully complies with the stringent standards set by BOBS.
For residents of Gaborone North and the surrounding areas who have long expressed concerns about water quality and persistent odours emanating from the wastewater treatment plant, the successful rehabilitation of the sewerage plants offers hope for closure to these enduring issues. The odour was affecting the BDF Glen Valley Camp, residents of Phakalane, the entire Tsholofelo area and neighbouring areas.