Floods in the Okavango and Chobe Regions
The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources would like to officially inform the Nation about the prevailing floods in the Okavango and Chobe regions. Further, the Ministry would like to highlight the flooding pattern since the commencement of the floods to the current developments. Informed by the significant increase in discharge and water level readings at Mohembo Gauging Site, we became alive to the possibility of flood disaster in the aforementioned regions. Therefore, on the 20th March 2009, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, the Department of Water Affairs briefed authorities of all the villages under threat so that they can alert their communities about the impending disaster.
Alleged Shortage of Machine Operators at Dikgatlhong Dam
Contrary to allegations of shortage of heavy machine operators at Dikgatlhong Dam Project, construction is continuing as scheduled without any interruption.
The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources is not aware of any skills shortages as alleged in the Btv news bulletin of the 11th May, 2009 featuring Mr Jing Jinke of Sino hydro Corporation. Mr Jinke alleged that there is an existing shortage of experienced dump truck and excavator drivers, bull dozer and roller compactor operators in the Botswana labour market. Consequently, the construction of the Dikgatlhong dam will experience a significant delay.
Water Disconnection Campaign
The public is informed that the Department of Water Affairs, under the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources is engaged in a country wide water disconnection campaign. This is directed to all those who have not been paying their water bills. The Department is owed huge sums of money in arrears of used water. The public is encouraged to pay their water bills to avoid disconnection of water from their homes. For more information, contact the Public Relations office on 3656641.