BATSWANA ENCOURAGED TO HARVEST RAIN WATER Batswana have been encouraged to harvest rain water for conservation and reduction of water bills. Presenting at the forum on water organized by the Botswana Society in Gaborone recently, BIUST acting deputy vice chancellor-research, Mr Boikobo Paya said there was need for rigorous education to raise awareness on the benefits of collecting rain water in tanks. Mr Paya said underground water storage was also advisable and the best way to conserve water despite being expensive. He stated that if all Batswana were to harvest 20 percent of water demand then the water consumption would go down 20 by per cent. The DVC said in places such as Ramotswa and Lobatse infrastructure leakage index was high with water losses up to 60 per cent. He highlighted that what kept the Water Utilities Corporation going was higher than what the consumers paid and hence WUC felt the pinch citing examples with countries like Namibia who pay double water tariffs of what Batswana pay. “In other countries water leaks are monitored through technology unlike in Botswana where a lot of water goes unaccounted for and hence auditing needs to be done to establish where it is lost.” He said the water metres have to be changed every 15 years because it starts running slower with time hence hitting on the WUC. Mr Paya said recycled sewer water is one way to conserve water as it can be reused with some sewer systems very basic and user friendly to be done at home. “Waste water is not waste but resourceful because it is full of nutrients and there are lots of beneficiations in used water.” Moreover he stated that it is time for research institutions to find solutions that are practical and unique to Botswana towards water conservation. He said the challenge with water conservation in schools and some government institutions is that they do not feel the pinch of paying the bills but government otherwise they would not waste water. During the event, The Botswana Society launched the Gaborone City Tour where visitors are taken on a tour around the city so as to appreciate Gaborone. Botswana Society project manager Bono Mmusi said the tour accentuates the unique features of Gaborone as it traverses through Museum, Main Mall, Government enclave, UB, Village, Sanitas, Old Naledi and the Three Dikgosi monuments among others. She stated that the tour aims to showcase what makes Gaborone stand out from other cities and the transformation from 1966 to date. The project manager stated that the three hour drive entertains visitors on business in Botswana, tourists and any other local people who wish to explore the city.(BOPA)
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:13:37 +0000
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