Amid growing concerns about sewer infrastructure constructed on the Thamalakane River banks and its associated floodplains, most of which are currently underwater due to high water levels, the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement has come out to allay those fears.
There will be no room for pollution caused by sewage spillage into the river, the ministry assured the public through an official address to the North West District Council.
The sewer infrastructure forms part of the ongoing, multimillion-Pula Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II project.
Acting Deputy Director for the Department of Technical Services at the ministry, Reuben Maboko, gave the assurance while briefing the North West District Council Full Council session recently on the progress of the project.
The project has, since its inception, attracted criticism and concerns from residents, environmentalists and the media over an implementation process that appeared to disregard certain environmental considerations key to which was the decision to place the sewer pipeline on the banks of the Thamalakane River.
These concerns are motivated by the fact that the Thamalakane River is part of the broader Okavango Delta system, raising fears that downstream pollution could cause dire environmental challenges for the entire wetland.
Responding to these concerns, Maboko said the ministry had conducted extensive consultations with residents, particularly those living along the river, to explain the technology being deployed.
He stated that all sewer connections located along the Thamalakane River utilize a vacuum sewer system instead of a conventional gravity sewer system.
Maboko explained that the vacuum sewer is a closed system operating under negative pressure, which successfully prevents sewage from leaking into or out of the pipelines. He noted that the system immediately detects any leakage, allowing maintenance teams to respond quickly, and does not retain sewage in the pipes because wastewater is automatically sucked from collection chambers to the nearest vacuum station once the chambers are full.
He said this specific technology was chosen because it is the safest option for Maun’s sensitive environment and is intended to completely minimise the risk of contamination.
During the presentation, Specially Nominated Councillor Segolame Marewa sought clarification on whether the positioning of the sewer pipes in the river had been recommended by the relevant authorities following hydrological studies carried out during the project’s planning stage. He also asked whether the floating structures would have any impact on aquatic animals, including hippos.
In response, Maboko said the location of the infrastructure was recommended by the relevant authorities after the necessary scientific studies were conducted. He further assured councillors that the project would not affect aquatic animals, including hippos.
Maboko also acknowledged that high water levels in the Thamalakane River have affected access to some project sites, posing challenges to ongoing construction works. However, he stated that the ministry remains fully committed to completing the project while ensuring the strict protection of the river and its surrounding ecosystem.
