18 Aug 2014

Some residents of Tati Siding have raised concerns about the slow process of connecting water to their areas.

People residing in phase two and three locations said the situation affected them badly as it had thwarted their efforts of developing their new plots.
In an interview, they stated that it has been a while since they were allocated plots in those areas, but due to the lack of water they were struggling to develop. 

A phase two resident, Mr Keemenao Bonang said he was allocated a residential plot in 2009, but the five-year period he was given to have developed it was almost over.

To ensure that the plot did not get repossessed, he said he had been hiring trucks to fetch water from Shashe River so that he could put up a structure as per the requirements of the land board.

He alleged that his efforts to pay upfront for a water connection had been turned down by the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) on the basis that there were still no plans to reticulate water to the area.

Mr Bonang said it was only recently that the WUC connected one prepaid standpipe in the area.
He however noted that the use of tokens also have challenges as they are often informed that the system was down when they need to recharge their water tokens. 

He also complained that they have it tough as they are not allowed to build pit latrines.

 “When there is no water there is no life. 

At least when you do not have food you can have a glass of water then go to bed,” said Mr Bonang.
Another resident, Mr Samuel David said he depends on his neighbour whenever he needs to use the toilet; something he said is not a long-term solution.

He said he no longer enjoys staying at this place, but fears that relocating would result in criminals damaging his property and stealing his goods.

For his part, Mr Odirile Maule also of Phase 2 said he wants to build a house for himself before reaching retirement age but lack of water has become a hindrance.

He however noted that he has already paid for water connection and was optimistic that once WUC connected pipes to their area, he would be the first person to be assisted.

Mr Maule suggested that it would be ideal for the land board to work hand-in-hand with WUC and Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), to make sure that water and electricity are connected before people are allocated plots.

This, he said would enable them to develop their plots within the stipulated time.

He suspected that the reason many people ended up selling their plots could be attributed to the difficulties associated with building houses in areas where water has not been connected.

Mr Kaelo Gobata of Tati Siding Phase 3, who is currently putting up a structure in his plot, stated that he fetches water five kilometres away from Shashe River, something he said continued to damage his vehicle.

A builder, Mr Dennis Gabatsholwe lamented the lack of water in the area, saying it affects his job as tenders are hard to come by when there is no water.

The situation, he said, seriously prevented him from earning a decent living, expressing fear that it might drive him into poverty.

WUC public relations manager, Ms Matida Mmipi said they do not deal with land servicing such as pipes layouts, which is for the local authorities to do.
She said they only deal with water connections, distribution and maintenance of pipes. ENDS