- – Offers free sewer connections to boost uptake in Maun
Residents in Maun are being encouraged to connect their homes to the new sewer network, with the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) now offering free household connections in an effort to increase the number of users.
This was revealed by Acting Deputy Director for Department of Technical Services under the Ministry of Water and Human Settlements Reuben Maboko during a presentation to the North West District Council Full Council session on the progress of the Maun Water and Sanitation Phase II Project.
Maboko said one of the major challenges facing the sanitation project is the low number of residents applying to be connected to the newly constructed sewer network.
He said although the infrastructure is being completed, the slow pace at which households are signing up means the project is not being utilised to its full potential.
To address the challenge, Maboko said WUC has adopted a measure to connect individual homes to the sewer system free of charge in order to encourage more residents to come forward.
“Applications are coming in at a slow pace,” he told councillors, adding that the North West District Council has been requested to assist in raising public awareness about the importance of connecting to the sewer network.
The presentation showed that the sanitation component of the Maun Water and Sanitation Phase II Project has made significant progress, although some work remains before full completion.
According to the report, Catchment One of the sewer system was commissioned on June 5, 2025 and is already transporting between 300 and 350 cubic metres of wastewater per day to the Maun East Wastewater Treatment Works. A total of 902 plots have already been connected under this catchment.
Maboko further said Catchment Two is expected to be commissioned in July this year. So far, provisions have been made for 407 plot connections, while work on other catchments continues.
He explained that commissioning of Catchment Three has been affected by high water levels in the Thamalakane River, while Catchment Four A is being prioritised to receive wastewater flows from institutions including Letsholathebe, Wildlife Training Institute, Tsodilo Junior Secondary School and Maun Technical College.
The Maun Water and Sanitation Phase II Project is aimed at improving water supply and sanitation services in Maun and surrounding villages through the construction of new water infrastructure, sewer networks and wastewater treatment facilities.
Maboko urged councilors to disseminate information to the public, saying greater public participation is necessary for the project to achieve its intended benefits of improved sanitation and environmental protection.
