31 Mar 2025

Recent power cuts due to Botswana Power Corporation’s load management plan have impacted water distribution in Kanye, with Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) struggling to meet daily water demand.

The village requires a daily supply of 15 million litres of water, sourced from its boreholes and the North-South Carrier (NSC). However, the loss of electricity has hampered the operation of key boreholes, leading to significant shortfalls in water supply.

Mr Monametsi Ramosu, general manager of WUC, said the electricity reliant boreholes in Selokolela and Kgwakgwe reduced their contribution from the expected 7 million litres to only about 5 million liters due to the ongoing power outages. He said the reliance on a surplus of 5 million litres from Gaborone to supplement the daily target had also been compromised, as Gaborone faced increasing demand from surrounding areas.

In addition, he said the anticipated 8 million litres was yet to be confirmed following recent expansion of Mmamashia Plant. Therefore, he said the recent power outages affected the Polokwe pump station, which in turn disrupted water supply to Kanye, leaving the village with only 1.2 million litres from Gaborone on Saturday.

The situation slightly improved on Sunday, with Gaborone supplying 1.4 million litres and boreholes providing 6.3 million litres, though levels remain inadequate, he said. ENDS