30 Jan 2025

Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) is owed P177 million in water bills in Francistown.

Addressing a meeting in Francistown, Minister of Water and Human Settlements, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi said of the amount owed, central government was leading with the highest debt, followed by businesses, households and Francistown City Council respectively.

The minster urged people and businesses to pay water bills to meet the ministry half way on the subsidised commodity.

As a promise by the new government to subsidise water tariffs, Mr Ramogapi said the ministry was committed to the 30 per cent subsidy once funds were available, adding that government was doing everything possible to attend to the issue.

“The little we currently have will be used to give people water and settlements,” he added.

Mr Ramogapi said the ministry intended to fix old pipelines and drainage systems affecting the city.

Francistown Mayor, Mr Gaone Majere said the council was aware that sustainable access to clean water was not just a basic human right, but also a catalyst for industrial expansion, agricultural productivity, and improved quality of life.

“Our industries, businesses, and households rely heavily on a consistent and reliable water supply. As the city strives to become a hub of economic activity, we call upon the ministry to continue prioritising investments in water infrastructure, ensuring that people and businesses have uninterrupted access to this precious resource,” he said.

Mr Majere said Francistown was also in need of affordable housing and proper sanitation to enhance the wellbeing of its residents.

“A city can only thrive when its people have access to decent housing and a clean environment”, he said.

He urged the ministry to work closely with relevant stakeholders to accelerate provision of affordable housing solutions and ensure that proper sanitation facilities were accessible to all. 

Mr Majere urged the Ministry of Water and Human Settlements to implement swift turnaround times in the approval and implementation of projects.

He said delays in water provision and land servicing could deter potential investors, slow down business growth, and hinder infrastructural development.

He called on WUC to prioritise maintenance of pipelines in the city to reduce water loss and ensure reliable supply. ENDS