Business operators near Maun International Airport are calling for urgent action as a failing Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) sewage lift station continues to overflow into their commercial properties. The recurring backflow is not only hindering business operations but also posing a significant health risk to the public.
The pump station is currently plagued by technical failures, causing raw sewage to flood nearby properties and emit an overwhelming stench. Affected business owners have expressed deep frustration, demanding that the corporation intervene immediately to resolve the crisis.
In an interview, Roger Dugmore, Director of Eco Africa Botswana, stated that the situation has become a serious threat to public safety. “I am concerned about the wellbeing of the public and my employees. Safety must come first,” Dugmore said. “If my business caused an environmental problem of this scale, I would be forced to close. The same accountability should apply to the entity responsible for sewage management.”
Dugmore emphasized that as taxpayers, Batswana deserve a healthy environment, and he accused WUC of neglecting essential infrastructure. “This is a public health emergency, both here and across Maun. We have visited the station and the lack of upkeep is appalling. It is a mess that needs to be addressed urgently,” he added, noting that the facility has been in disrepair for roughly two years.
Alexandra Connolly, owner of The Duck Café, echoed these concerns, noting that the persistent odor is driving away customers. “We deal with the smell constantly. Despite sealing all our drains with silicone, the odor persists. We have investigated the cause and asked for help, but to no avail. We’ve been struggling with this for over two years,” she said.
Connolly explained that the situation is particularly damaging for a restaurant that relies on outdoor seating. She highlighted that the business has received numerous complaints from angry customers regarding the smell—a factor entirely out of her control. Furthermore, she noted that as the first stop for many tourists arriving from the airport, the spill creates a poor first impression of Maun.
Responding to the outcry, WUC Maun Service Centre Senior Technician Mpaphi Gaothuse acknowledged the failures at the station. He attributed the backflow to mechanical breakdowns as well as blockages caused by the disposal of improper items, such as sanitary pads, into the sewage line.
“One customer recently reported sewage backflowing into his property, and we managed to address that specific instance,” Gaothuse said.
He admitted that the station is aging and prone to failure but offered hope for a long-term solution. According to Gaothuse, the ongoing Maun Water and Sanitation project will eventually resolve these issues through the installation of new pump stations. In the meantime, he stated that the corporation will continue to monitor the station’s condition.
