WUC accuses Gaborone Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng of unfair public attacks as a row over sewage smells and sanitation failures escalates
BONGANI MALUNGA
Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has launched a blistering attack on Gaborone City Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng, accusing him of making unfounded allegations against the parastatal as tensions between the two institutions escalate over the capital city’s deteriorating sanitation conditions.
In a public statement issued on Tuesday (October 20), WUC took exception to Motlaleng’s recent remarks, accusing him of repeatedly making “unsubstantiated public utterances” that undermine the corporation’s leadership and reputation.
The fallout follows a press conference held by the Mayor last week, during which, according to WUC, he portrayed the utility as poorly managed and responsible for Gaborone’s persistent sanitation problems, including offensive sewage odours and general uncleanliness.
INAPPROPRIATE APPROACH
WUC argued that the Mayor’s approach was inappropriate, particularly given the institutional relationship between the corporation and Gaborone City Council (GCC).
“As a government parastatal, WUC believes it is neither ideal nor appropriate for His Worship the Mayor, to raise concerns that he may have in the manner he has chosen, particularly when they are couched in a language that appears demeaning or condescending toward the leadership of the Corporation. There exist well established and proper channels for raising institutional concerns,” WUC stated.
The utility suggested that Motlaleng’s public pronouncements had crossed the boundaries of acceptable institutional engagement. Rather than publicly attacking the parastatal, WUC maintained that the Mayor should use “well established and proper channels” to address service delivery concerns.
OLIVE BRANCH
Despite the sharp rebuke, the corporation extended an olive branch, indicating that its Chief Executive Officer’s office remained available to engage directly with Motlaleng and his team over any concerns relating to water and wastewater services.
However, the confrontation comes against the backdrop of longstanding sanitation and infrastructure challenges in Gaborone.
During a September full council meeting, Motlaleng acknowledged the city’s ageing water and wastewater infrastructure, with recurring pipe bursts, sewer blockages and sewage overflows presenting significant challenges.
Interestingly, Motlaleng also commended WUC at the time for its interventions aimed at improving water supply, revenue collection and operational efficiency. “I further encourage the Corporation to remain focused on proactive water management, infrastructure maintenance and innovative solutions,” Motlaleng said during that council address.
The latest confrontation therefore represents a significant deterioration in relations between the two institutions, barely a month after the Mayor publicly acknowledged WUC’s efforts.
While WUC has strongly challenged the Mayor’s criticism, its latest statement did not provide a detailed technical response to the sanitation complaints or specify measures being undertaken to address the unpleasant odours and sewage-related problems.
The corporation nevertheless maintained that cooperation with GCC remains essential to delivering reliable water and wastewater services.
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