OLDM bring new hope to Boteti
The feel-good factor flowed full force in Lethlakane this Friday, as Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) held a special groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a P5 million water plant.
Located on the outskirts of the mining town, the plant will service the entire Boteti district as Debswana looks to end the region’s long-running water woes once and for all.
The ambitious initiative will be funded from the proceeds of the last two OLDM GM’s Charity Walk, an annual fund-raising initiative held in Orapa, with the most recent taking place on 22 August.
Giving an overview of the undertaking, OLDM General Manager, Mogakolodi Maoketsa said, “This project, valued at over P5 million, will enable the installation and equipping of a borehole that will significantly strengthen water inflows into the Letlhakane water supply system.”
Maoketsa added this was a ‘special day’ as they deliver on a commitment made in 2025.
“Access to reliable water remains one of the most important foundations of human life and development. Water is not only essential for health and sanitation but also for economic growth, education community development and human dignity,” noted the GM.
He revealed OLDM has partnered with the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) to supplement water supply to Letlhakane, with their contribution increasing from approximately 500 cubic metres per day in 2023 to 1, 000 cubic metres today.
“The ultimate goal is to supply Letlhakane with 3,360 cubic metres of clean running water. Debswana undertook a decision to relinquish water rights to three of its boreholes, with these rights being transferred directly to Water Utilities. To assist with supplying water to the Water Utilities processing plant, an additional three boreholes have been connected to support the soon-to-be-commissioned 1ML plant,” the GM added.
For his part, EH Construction Site Agent, Pako Moroka, whose company was the diamond sponsor of the last two walks, contributing P1 million to each, said they were thrilled to be part of such a worthwhile project.
Similarly, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) representative, Thabo Ndadi expressed huge appreciation to OLDM for the gesture, noting it will change lives in Boteti.
“We have to look at the economic impact of water in social life. We need it to bathe, cook and drink – for everything really! What Debswana did is huge, as water gives someone dignity. They just gave Batswana the dignity they need,” Ndadi closed.
