Goodhope gets steady supply of water
All wellfields in the district are dry
Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel for residents of Goodhope Sub District who for a long time operated on semi dry taps, as President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi performs the groundbreaking of the Lobatse Master Water Plan ( LWMP) pipeline.
The project that is constructed to the tune of P1, 046 billion will sustain water supply needs for the area up to the year 2042. It is awarded as a joint venture between China State Civil Engineering and a local company, Van and Truck Hire.
The brief for the conditions clearly stipulates that the local contractor must get at least 40 percent of the contract. The construction of the water plan under the theme: “Revising and Rebuilding Lobatse through enhanced water supply”, is anticipated to end in 2022.
The Goodhope Sub- District area composed of Goodhope- Pitsane Siding, Digawana- Mogojogojo, Molapowabojang, and Mosopa Sub Kgomokasitwa has been dependent on groundwater from boreholes but has been facing dryness since 2016 following severe drought which impacted on their respective output starting in 2008, then followed by a three- year spell from 2013- 16.
Wellfields ran dry in the same manner as those at the Selokolela in Kanye and Gaotlhobogwe Wellfields in Molepolole which used to be operated by the Department of Water Affairs before it was taken over by Water Utilities Corporation ( WUC).
In an interview with Botswana Guardian, WUC Chief Executive Officer, Gaselemogwe Senai said they remain optimistic that the area will receive potable water within a reasonable time from now.
He appealed to the public that once connected they must ensure that there is conjunctive use in order to reach a long- term supply. He said if there is no optimisation of resources, WUC stands to lose plenty of water through evaporation, as well as leaks and droplets caused by lack of tightening of the taps.
Currently, available water sources for Lobatse and surrounding areas are Gaborone Waterworks, which includes Gaborone Dam, Molatedi Dam, and
NSC Trunk Main and Siga Wellfield, providing 78 percent of the average daily supply. Nnywane Dam provides five percent and the balance of 17 percent is from 44 boreholes serving as the sole Water Supply Source to several localities.
The current daily water demand for the Service Centre is 22, 000m3/ day against an average supply of 15, 600m3/ day resulting in a deficit of 6, 400m3/ day.
It is envisaged that the pipeline which taps directly from the Mmamashia treatment plant will also benefit residents along the A1 highway to the border post of Ramatlabama including Mmokolodi, Crocodile Pools, Lion Park, Setlhare, Ramotswa, Otse Police, Mogobane, Seuwane, Ntlhantlhe, Lekgolobotlo and Mogotlhwane.