09 Jun 2024

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has awarded a tender for the construction of new water treatment plant that will supply water to Sehithwa and surrounding villages.

The existing plant could not provide water to some villages resulting in  acute water shortage.

“We have secured P40 million for the new plant,” said head of business in Maun, Mr Thabo Ndadi when responding to comments from stakeholders during a recent engagement meeting held at Maun Lodge.

 He confirmed that the contract would soon move to the site for commencement of the project, adding that the plant would supply Bothatogo, Bodibeng, Sehithwa, Kareng, Toteng and Legotlhwane.

 Mr Ndadi said the corporation had also secured P8 million for the upgrading the of Phuduhudu water pipeline and P2 million for the electric fencing of the Phuduhudu water treatment plant. He said the fence was intended to deter elephants from damaging water infrastructure.

 Mr Ndadi revealed that they had been allocated P250 000 for community engagement and education and P4.5 million to enhance security at the corporation’s sites such as treatment plants.

He added that they would install cameras to curb vandalism.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Michael Bagai noted that they continued to receive incidents of water infrastructure vandalism, but said their efforts to arrest the perpetrators were not yet successful, adding that they had nine cases.

He appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious incidents to relevant authorities.

“I am appealing to the public to stop buying stolen equipment, but to rather play the role of citizen vigilantes to curb the alarming situation,” he said. ENDS