Curious about how Gaborone gets its water? Let me tell you about the Water Utility Mogoditshane Customer Center. It is more than just a place to pay your bill. It is the face of a vital service.
The Water Utilities Corporation or WUC was established in 1970. The Botswana government wholly owns it. Its initial mandate was simple. It managed a single water supply project in the Shashe Development Area.
Over time, the WUC’s role expanded. It began planning constructing and maintaining water infrastructure. This included treatment plants and distribution networks across Botswana. In fact, the WUC provides services to cities like Gaborone Francistown Lobatse and others.
Between 2009 and 2013, significant water sector reforms occurred. The WUC gained a new mandate. Now, it supplies potable water to all urban centers and villages. It also manages wastewater and sanitation services. These reforms aimed to standardize service levels throughout the country.
Water supply is very important in Botswana’s arid climate. The WUC plays a crucial role. It ensures access to clean and reliable water for homes and industries. This supports Botswana’s socio-economic development.
One of the WUC’s major projects is the North-South Carrier. This massive pipeline transports water. It moves water from northern Botswana to the drier south. This includes Gaborone. This helps to combat water scarcity.
The WUC is divided into two main regions. The South region is based here in Gaborone. It has management centers that serve several areas. These include Mochudi Lobatse and Molepolole. The North region is based in Francistown.
In June 2007, the WUC launched a contact center. It provided a toll-free number for customer inquiries. This improved customer service. It made it easier for people to get help with their water-related issues.
The WUC’s assets are extensive. They include dams like Gaborone Dam and Letsibogo Dam. There are also water treatment plants and pump stations. The dams together have a massive storage capacity. It is about 346900000 cubic meters. The WUC also imports water from the Molatedi Dam in South Africa.
The Water Utility Mogoditshane Customer Center exemplifies efficiency. The WUC is self-sufficient. It generates enough revenue to cover its costs and investments. Compared to other utilities in sub-Saharan Africa the WUC excels in revenue management.
The WUC also provides wastewater services and laboratory services. They advise before construction or development projects. This ensures sustainable water use.
The Water Utility Mogoditshane Customer Center stands as a testament. It shows Botswana’s commitment to providing water and promoting sustainability. Next time you turn on the tap remember the work of the Water Utility Mogoditshane Customer Center. It ensures that the water flows.