Botswana has made history by commissioning what is now the largest and most modern water treatment plant in Southern Africa – The Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant.
The plant treats a maximum of 110 mega litres of raw water per day and supply to greater Gaborone and surrounding areas. It also has Botswana’s national command centre for all its water treatment and distribution systems.
Botswana’s minister of Lands and water Affairs Dr. Kefentse Mzwinila commissioned the plant along with officials from Water Utilities Corporation WUC.
Dr. Mzwinila in his statement observed that the treatment plant will now help end all water shortages in Botswana’s capital for decades to come.
“Now that we’ve commissioned the Mmamashia Water Treatment plant, we can say that we have achieved the title of Centre of excellence. This positions us to be a benchmark for other countries to learn from,” said the minister.
The plant follows another major success – the construction of a 100km water pipeline project by the same Khato Civils/South Zambezi joint venture.
Chief executive officer for WUC Gaselemogwe Senai said during the commissioning that it was a proud moment for WUC and Botswana to have completed such massive infrastructure.
“With this, we will quench all the thirst at least for the next 20 years and all demand areas will be supplied” Sinai said.
He added “This is the epicentre of our infrastructure development and centre of excellence”.
Commenting on the capability and expertise displayed by the contractor Khato Civils, Sinai said this is a showcase that black-owned contractors in Africa can deliver any kind of construction.
“If we can get organized, then we can do anything” He added.
The Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant is crucial to the Republic of Botswana’s water infrastructure plan for the Greater Gaborone and surrounding villages and town.
Group CEO for Khato Civils Mongezi Mnyani said the project was faced with several setbacks including delays in getting materials and equipment but was relieved that there is water flowing.