Water Utilities still struggles to keep underground water flowing
Parastatal organization mandated to manage a single project for the supply and distribution of water in the country Water Utilities says it still continues to face challenges in underground water due to natural factors such as high salinity, low rates of replenishment due to low rainfall and the deep-seated nature of their aquifers.
Other challenges facing underground water resources, according to the group’s 2018 Annual Report, are old boreholes infrastructure and high leakages, vandalism and theft of equipment, illegal abstraction and uncoordinated developments in the well fields leading to groundwater pollution and over-abstraction and ever-increasing water demands. The report indicates that groundwater accounts for about 60 per cent of water supply.
Further, the report indicated that some operational areas continued facing water shortages, saying that normal water supply to the areas require significant funding. The Corporation demonstrated that well fields in Kanye, Maitengwe, Dukwi, Letlhakane, Molepolole and Ghanzi were experiencing declining water levels and low recharge rate and some well fields failed as a result.
The Corporation’s parent Ministry, the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, responded to some of these problems through extension of North South Carrier to connect villages such as Kanye, Thamaga and Molepolole. The impact is yet to be felt as construction is still on-going. Other challenges such as declining borehole water levels and high leakages due to dilapidated infrastructure continue to pose a challenge. Management centres such as Letlhakane, Molepolole, Tsabong and Ghanzi are wholly dependent on groundwater supplies.
However, there have been no major groundwater resources development projects implemented in these areas in a very long time despite the design life of boreholes. The report accentuated that Molepolole Management Centre is the only centre to have seen a major groundwater development project in the recent past; the development of Malwelwe and Sorilatholo well fields.
It underscored that most of the boreholes in the Malwelwe well field were drilled in 1991 and were only rehabilitated during the 2008 Botlhapatlou groundwater development project. Furthermore, it was said that the Nata cluster continues to experience water supply problems because of increased demand and leakages owing to aged infrastructure as well as destruction of water supply networks by elephants.
To address the problems in the cluster, the Ministry identified four monitoring boreholes within Dukwi well field for conversion to production boreholes to augment the supply as a short-term solution; however the envisaged plan by the Corporation has a potential risk of subsequently aggravating deterioration in water supply.
Statistics show that, of the 846 analysed boreholes, 654 were drilled before the year 2000 indicating that well over 75% of boreholes have long gone past their design life. The report stressed that the borehole conditions are aggravated by high salinity in areas such as Tsabong, Letlhakane and Masunga Management Centres whilst in other areas such as Molepolole, Pallaroad, Masama and Serowe, incrustation from formation of iron bacterial colonies has contributed significantly to the accelerated dilapidation of boreholes infrastructure.
The observations are not recent as they were previously identified through a Borehole Rehabilitation Project. A detailed analysis of the Corporation’s water supply boreholes is required as current analysis are limited by the absence of groundwater monitoring data and information, the report said. Nevertheless, the Corporation’s in-house programme to rehabilitate its water supply boreholes continues. A 2017 World Bank study concluded that the Corporation’s transition in role and responsibility set against unaltered management and operation structure and personnel complement compromises the Corporation’s ability to fulfil all the responsibilities and activities placed upon it.
Despite all the challenges, efforts are being made to improve the Corporations groundwater monitoring activities. The World Bank funded Emergency Water Security and Efficiency Project is intended to interlay address chronic drought in Botswana that continues to affect boreholes by saline intrusion, drying up and collapsing. To this end the proposed investment are aimed at reducing stress on groundwater sources by developing alternative and more sustainable sources.
According to the report, the Cleaning and Fishing Rig has been able to rehabilitate over 42 boreholes countrywide in five management centres, Kanye, Molepolole, Mahalapye, Masunga and Tsabong. This represented an average of 3.5 boreholes against the target of 4 boreholes per month. The Corporation indicated that it drilled two boreholes, one at Bray and another at Ramotlabaki during the period under review. These two villages had no source of supply after their boreholes suffered collapse and therefore necessitated the drilling of replacement boreholes.
The success completion of the boreholes and their subsequent connection to the network has alleviated the acute water shortage the villages have been facing. The North South Carrier scheme operated satisfactorily during the period under review. Pump Stations showed good availability over the year except for Pump Station No:2 which had only one out of the three pumps available during the first quarter. There was a spike in the downtime of the scheme arising from maintenance works required to connect new components to the scheme. The overall availability of the scheme stood at 87.5%, the report indicated.
With increased incidents of vandalism, the report underlined that the Corporation equipped the new pump stations and reservoirs with surveillance cameras that are controlled remotely from Mmamashia Command Centre. Water losses were mainly registered in areas with high incidences of infrastructure failure owing to dilapidated networks, unmetered standpipes, inefficient meters and physical losses.
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19 Bokamoso Private Hospital nurses graduate at Lenmed Nursing College
The graduation of 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College marks a significant milestone in their careers. These nurses have successfully completed various short learning programs, including Adult Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Nursing Care, Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing, Anaesthetic Nursing, and Recovery Room Nursing. The ceremony, held in Gaborone, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Lenmed Nursing College, a renowned healthcare group with a presence in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Ghana, has been instrumental in providing quality education and training to healthcare professionals. The Group Head of Operations, Jayesh Parshotam, emphasized the importance of upskilling nurses, who are at the forefront of healthcare systems. He also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with Bokamoso Private Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and various health training institutes in Botswana.
Dr. Morrison Sinvula, a consultant from the Ministry of Health, commended Lenmed Health and Lenmed Nursing College for their commitment to the education and training of these exceptional nurses. He acknowledged their guidance, mentorship, and support in shaping the nurses’ careers and ensuring their success. Dr. Sinvula also reminded the graduates that education does not end here, as the field of healthcare is constantly evolving. He encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development, embracing new technologies and staying updated with the latest medical advancements.
Dr. Gontle Moleele, the Superintendent of Bokamoso Private Hospital, expressed her excitement and pride in the graduating class of 2023. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals, who have families and responsibilities, to ensure their graduation. Dr. Moleele also thanked Lenmed Nursing College for providing this opportunity to the hospital’s nurses, as it will contribute to the growth of the hospital.
The certificate recipients from Bokamoso Private Hospital were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective programs. Those who received the Cum Laude distinction in the Adult Intensive Care Unit program were Elton Keatlholwetse, Lebogang Kgokgonyane, Galaletsang Melamu, Pinkie Mokgosi, Ofentse Seboletswe, Gorata Basupi, Bareng Mosala, and Justice Senyarelo. In the Emergency Nursing Care program, Atlanang Moilwa, Bakwena Moilwa, Nathan Nhiwathiwa, Mogakolodi Lesarwe, Modisaotsile Thomas, and Lorato Matenje received the Cum Laude distinction. Kelebogile Dubula and Gaolatlhe Sentshwaraganye achieved Cum Laude in the Anaesthetic & Recovery Room Nursing program, while Keletso Basele excelled in the Anaesthetic Nursing program. Mompoloki Mokwaledi received recognition for completing the Recovery Room Nursing program.
In conclusion, the graduation of these 19 nurses from Bokamoso Private Hospital at Lenmed Nursing College is a testament to their dedication and commitment to their profession. They have successfully completed various short learning programs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. The collaboration between Lenmed Nursing College, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and the Ministry of Health has played a crucial role in their success. As they embark on their careers, these nurses are encouraged to continue their professional development and embrace new advancements in healthcare.
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BNF secures 15 constituencies in UDC coalition, wants more
The Botswana National Front (BNF) has recently announced that they have already secured 15 constituencies in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, despite ongoing negotiations. This revelation comes as the BNF expresses its dissatisfaction with the current government and its leadership.
The UDC, which is comprised of the BNF, Botswana Peoples Party (BPP), Alliance for Progressives (AP), and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is preparing for the upcoming General Elections. However, the negotiations to allocate constituencies among the involved parties are still underway. Despite this, the BNF Chairman, Patrick Molotsi, confidently stated that they have already acquired 15 constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally.
Molotsi’s statement reflects the BNF’s long-standing presence in many constituencies across Botswana. With a strong foothold in these areas, it is only natural for the BNF to seek an increase in the number of constituencies they represent. This move not only strengthens their position within the UDC coalition but also demonstrates their commitment to serving the interests of the people.
In a press conference, BNF Secretary General, Ketlhafile Motshegwa, expressed his discontent with the current government leadership. He criticized the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for what he perceives as a disregard for the well-being of the Batswana people. Motshegwa highlighted issues such as high unemployment rates and shortages of essential medicines as evidence of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
The BNF’s dissatisfaction with the current government is a reflection of the growing discontent among the population. The Batswana people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and the failure to address pressing issues. The BNF’s assertion that the government is playing with the lives of its citizens resonates with many who feel neglected and unheard.
The BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, even before the negotiations have concluded, is a testament to their popularity and support among the people. It is a clear indication that the Batswana people are ready for change and are looking to the BNF to provide the leadership they desire.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people. The allocation of constituencies should be done in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are represented. The BNF’s success in securing constituencies should serve as a reminder to the other parties of the need to listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people they aim to represent.
In conclusion, the BNF’s acquisition of 15 constituencies, despite ongoing negotiations, highlights their strong presence and support among the Batswana people. Their dissatisfaction with the current government leadership reflects the growing discontent in the country. As the UDC coalition prepares for the upcoming General Elections, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people. The BNF’s success should serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to the voices of the citizens and working towards a better future for Botswana.
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Children’s summit to discuss funding of NGOS
One of the key issues that will be discussed by the Childrens’ Summit, which will be hosted by Childline Botswana Trust on 28th – 30th November in Gaborone, will be the topical issue of financing and strengthening of civil society organizations.
A statement from Childline Botswana indicates that the summit will adopt a road map for resourcing the children’s agenda by funding organizations. It will also cover issues relating to child welfare and protection; aimed at mobilizing governments to further strengthen Child Helplines; as well as sharing of emerging technologies to enhance the protection of Children and promotion of their rights.
According to Gaone Chepete, Communications Officer at Childline Botswana, the overall objective of the summit is to provide a platform for dialogue and engagement towards promoting practices and policies that fulfil children’s rights and welfare.
“Child Helplines in the region meet on a bi-annual basis to reflect on the state of children; evaluate their contribution and share experiences and best practice in the provision of services for children,” said Chepete.
The financing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by the state or its functionaries has generated mixed reactions from within the civil society space, with many arguing that it threatened NGOs activism and operational independence.
In February 2019, University of Botswana academic Kenneth Dipholo released a paper titled “State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organizations in Botswana,” in which he faulted then President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama for using charity for political convenience and annexing the operational space of NGOs.
“Civil society is the domain in which individuals can exercise their rights as citizens and set limits to the power of the state. The state should be developing capable voluntary organizations rather than emaciating or colonizing them by usurping their space,” argued Dipholo.
He further argued that direct involvement of the state or state president in charity breeds unhealthy competition between the state itself and other organizations involved in charity. Under these circumstances, he added, the state will use charity work to remain relevant to the ordinary people and enhance its visibility at the expense of NGOs.
“A consequence of this arrangement is that charitable organizations will become affiliates of the state. This stifles innovation in the sense that it narrows the ability of charitable organizations to think outside the box. It also promotes mono-culturalism, as the state could support only charitable organizations that abide by its wishes,” said Dipholo.
In conclusion, Dipholo urged the state to focus on supporting NGOs so that they operate in a system that combines philanthropic work and state welfare programs.
He added that state philanthropy threatens to relegate and render charitable organizations virtually irrelevant and redundant unless they re-engineer themselves.
Another University of Botswana (UB) academic, Professor Zibani Maundeni, opined that politics vitally shape civil society interaction; as seen in the interactions between the two, where there is mutual criticism in each other’s presence.
Over the years, NGOs have found themselves grappling with dwindling financial resources as donors ran out of money in the face of increased competition for financing. Many NGOs have also been faulted for poorly managing their finances because of limited strategic planning and financial management expertise. This drove NGOs to look to government for funding; which fundamentally altered the relationships between the two. The end result was a complete change in the operational culture of NGOs, which diminished their social impact and made them even more fragile. Increased government control through contract clauses also reduced NGOs activism and autonomy.
However, others believe that NGOs and government need each other, especially in the provision of essential services like child welfare and protection. Speaking at the Civil Society Child Rights Convention in 2020, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Setlhabelo Modukanele said government considers NGOs as critical partners in development.
“We recognize the role that NGOs play a critical role in the country’s development agenda,” said Modukanele.