01 Apr 2025

Residents across Gaborone and greater Gaborone have expressed growing frustration over severe water shortages, a problem that has been exacerbated by ongoing electricity cuts. 

The lack of water has left many households without reliable supply, and with no clear solution in sight, tensions are rising. In a public notice released recently, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) informed residents of the Mogoditshane Cluster that they would experience interruptions in their water supply, citing frequent power outages as the primary cause for the disruption in services. 

According to officials, the electricity cuts have led to power failures at the Gaborone Water Treatment Plant, preventing a consistent flow of water to homes. Many neighborhoods rely on electric-powered pumps for their water supply, and as the outages persist, residents have been struggling to meet their basic needs.

“We have had no water for the past three days. I have young children, and not having water for even simple things like washing hands or cooking is incredibly stressful,” said Ms Maria Keemenao, a resident of Mogoditshane Block 9.

Ms Keemenao, like many others, expressed the need for more reliable infrastructure to prevent future water and electricity shortages.

“This is a basic human right, access to clean water. We should not be subjected to these kinds of hardships simply because of power failures,” she said.

Ms Keemenao highlighted that there had been a noticeable loss of water pressure, making it impossible to use basic fixtures such as showers, faucets, and toilets, as well as affecting essential chores such as laundry, adding that lack of water had also impacted daily household activities. She voiced her frustration and urged government to offer solutions.

“We are tired of the same problems. We need real change, not the same promises from previous governments. We are already worn out by this situation,” she said.

The impact has also been felt by local businesses. Ms Boago Gaegopolwe, who operates the Fresh Water Market, explained that her business had seen a decline in sales due to power cuts.

“We sell water, but because of the power outages, we cannot operate. We could be capitalising on the lack of water in households, but instead, we are in the same situation as the rest of the community,” said Ms Gaegopolwe.

Ms Boikanyo Tutuwe, the owner of The Hair Room Salon, also expressed frustration with the ongoing outages.

“We cannot operate without water or electricity. Our customers are often left disappointed when they arrive and find that there is no power, and sometimes there is not enough water pressure to even wash hair,” she said.

She also highlighted that every Saturday, without fail, there was no water therefore they ended up loosing business, thereby calling WUC to remedy the situation.

Similarly, Ms Duduetsang Tsotsope, who manages Rahube Beef butchery, said that the water shortage had severely impacted the cleanliness and hygiene of the business. 

"We need constant access to water to maintain cleanliness in the butchery.  We cannot operate on dirty floors, and the water situation has made it almost impossible to maintain the required hygiene standards,” she said, urging WUC to take action to alleviate the situation.

Ms Segolame Keokilwe, who operates a Tuck shop in Block 8, shared her own struggles.

“Water is life. As someone who makes a living through food preparation, I need to maintain a certain level of hygiene. I cannot knead dough without washing, and I need water to prepare dishes like mokwejepe and serobe. Without water, I cannot cook fresh fatcakes or chips, which means I lose customers who rely on my products every morning,” she said.

Ms Keokilwe also expressed the mental toll that the water shortage had taken.

“The daily stress of not having access to water has a negative impact on my mental health,” she explained, adding that it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage basic needs under such circumstances.

Councillor for Mogoditshane Block 9, Mr Godiraone Matlhomane, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.

“While the water shortages may be temporary, the impact remains severe for families that water does not reach them at all because of low pressure,” he said adding that it becomes an inconvenience that requires urgent attention," he said.

As frustration continues to mount across Gaborone and the surrounding areas, residents called on local authorities to address the root causes of both the water shortages and the ongoing power cuts.

Briefing Parliament this week, the minister of Minerals and Energy Ms Bogolo Kenewendo said was addressing the power crisis experienced by the country by investing in short and long term solutions to assist Botswana Power Corporation to manage the situation. ENDS