Okavango District is facing growing environmental and public health pressures as challenges in clinical waste disposal and sanitation system inefficiencies continue to strain service delivery and raise concern among local authorities.
Okavango District Council Deputy Chairman Brian Samoka described the situation surrounding clinical waste management as “a matter of grave concern,” warning that current systems are inadequate to meet the district’s needs.
Addressing the Okavango District Full Council Session, Samoka revealed that the district recorded a clinical waste collection rate of only 25 percent against a target of 100 percent during the previous reporting period, a performance level he described as far below acceptable standards.
“This level of performance is far below expectation and presents serious public health and environmental risks,” he complained.
Samoka indicated that although the district has two waste carriers, only one is currently operational, a situation that has severely limited the ability to collect and transport clinical waste efficiently across the vast Okavango.
He further noted that the district does not have a functional facility for the disposal of clinical waste, forcing authorities to seek alternative arrangements outside.
“Efforts to collaborate with facilities in Maun and Ghanzi were unsuccessful after those responsible for them indicated that they were unable to accommodate the volume of waste generated in Okavango. As a result, clinical waste has had to be transported to Francistown and Kanye landfills through a private contractor for the past four months, an arrangement that Samoka described as costly and unsustainable in the long term.”
Beyond waste management, the council also raised concerns over sanitation infrastructure, including the operation of sewerage systems and the need for improved environmental hygiene in rapidly growing settlements. These challenges, officials warned, have the potential to compromise public health if not urgently addressed.
Meanwhile, the district is also grappling with significant water sector financial pressures. The Water Utilities Corporation is reported to be owed approximately P19.2 million by customers in the Gumare Service Centre, a debt that continues to grow and negatively affects service delivery.
Of the outstanding amount, government institutions account for approximately P14.7 million, while businesses and individual consumers owe the remainder. Council warned that this situation delays essential maintenance, borehole rehabilitation, and expansion of water networks to underserved communities.
Samoka emphasized that water provision and sanitation services cannot be sustained without timely payment, urging all stakeholders to meet their obligations.
He also noted ongoing interventions at the Nokaneng Water Treatment Plant and the refurbishment of the Gumare sewerage system as part of efforts to improve long-term service delivery.
Despite these challenges, council remains engaged with relevant authorities in search of sustainable solutions to strengthen waste management systems, improve water supply reliability, and enhance sanitation infrastructure across the district.
