The Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II project is moving toward a decisive milestone, with recent progress reports indicating that the massive infrastructure overhaul is 91% complete. While the journey has faced environmental and logistical hurdles, the underlying momentum points toward a modernized utility network that will fundamentally change how water is managed in the region.
The project's progress was highlighted during a recent briefing by the Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr. Onneetse Ramogapi, during a site tour of Maun's key development projects. Despite previous delays caused by heavy seasonal rains and temporary contractor suspensions, the technical foundation is now firmly in place, setting the stage for a more resilient Maun.
The primary objective of this phase is to stabilize and expand water access for Maun and its surrounding satellite villages. By upgrading the network, the project addresses historical supply inconsistencies and prepares the region for future population growth.
The construction of 593km of pipelines—including 29km of bulk transmission lines and 562km of distribution networks—ensures that water can be moved more efficiently across the buildable area. This massive expansion reduces the risk of shortages during peak demand periods.
Beyond mere supply, the project integrates advanced telemetry and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. This allows for remote monitoring and control of water and sanitation schemes, meaning faults can be detected and addressed much faster than through traditional manual inspections.
A significant portion of the project's success lies in its ability to optimize existing networks while creating entirely new supply corridors. The technical scope of Contract One has been particularly transformative for the Boseja area.
According to Project Manager Mr. Goyabokhutong Dintwa, the contractor has successfully established three brand-new water supply zones in Boseja. Furthermore, the project has expanded eight existing zones that were originally part of the 2019 network optimization initiative. This layering of new infrastructure over existing systems ensures a more robust and redundant supply chain.
To support these zones, the project has delivered:
Five new booster stations to maintain consistent pressure.
Upgrades to five existing pump stations.
New storage reservoirs with capacities ranging from 1,100m³ to 5,000m³.
These components work in tandem to ensure that even remote parts of the Maun buildable area receive consistent service.
While the project was originally slated for an earlier conclusion, the current trajectory is focused on a high-quality finish. The project management team is working toward a target completion date of December 2026.
The timeline accounts for the finalization of tests on existing pump stations following the replacement of faulty or missing equipment. Although the water scheme was partially commissioned in October 2024 and handed over to the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), the remaining months will focus on total system integration and the fine-tuning of the telemetry systems.
The Maun Water Supply and Sanitation Phase II project represents a critical investment in the future of Northern Botswana. By transitioning from temporary fixes to a sophisticated, digitally monitored network, Maun is securing its water future. While the road to completion has required navigating logistical and environmental challenges, the resulting infrastructure will provide the reliable service and sanitation standards that the residents and satellite villages deserve.
FAQ
When will the Maun water project be fully completed?
The project is scheduled for full completion by December 2026.
How will the new water system improve service in Maun?
The system uses 593km of new pipelines and SCADA technology to stabilize water access, improve pressure, and allow for remote monitoring of faults.
