WASCO targets water leakages in Maseru

In a spirited move to tackle the water ‘leakage epidemic’ plaguing Maseru’s water network, Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) has launched a comprehensive repair initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of non-revenue water (NRW).

In this interview with theReporter’s ‘Mantšali Phakoana, non-revenue water manager at WASCO, Refiloe Makhetha, sheds light on the root causes of the leakage problem and measures being implemented to tackle it.

Can you give us more details on the specific objectives and outcomes of Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang?

The primary objective of “Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang” is to identify and repair critical leakage hotspots within the Maseru water distribution network. This initiative aims to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) rates, which currently stand at 52 percent, and address the significant water loss of 390 million litres per quarter due to service connection leaks. The expected outcomes include improved efficiency of the water distribution system, reduced economic losses, and enhanced sustainability of the water supply network.

Can you quantify the amount of water loss from leaks in the Maseru water distribution network? What are the primary causes of these severe leaks and how does WASCO plan to address these underlying issues?

In the third reporting quarter, the Maseru Centre recorded a non-revenue water (NRW) rate of 52 percent, with 15 percent attributed to service connection leaks, resulting in a loss of 390 million litres of water. The primary causes of these severe leaks include high pressures in the pipeline system and the integration of new and old distribution networks.

WASCO plans to address these issues through a comprehensive repair initiative, focusing on identifying and repairing leakage hotspots and implementing a robust sensitisation campaign to promote leak detection and reporting.

How long is WASCO targeting for the completion of Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang, given the scale of the leakage problem?

This is a 10 days’ campaign, so WASCO aims to complete “Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang” next week on Friday (today). The timeline for completion will be determined by the scale of the leakage problem and the effectiveness of the repair efforts. The initiative is designed to be scalable, with the goal of extending it across the entire network to ensure maximum efficiency and sustainability.

While the initial focus will be on high-leakage hotspots, the campaign is designed to be scalable, with the goal of extending the initiative across the entire network to ensure maximum efficiency. The exact timeline for completion will depend on the extent of the leaks and the effectiveness of the repair efforts.

How do you plan to engage the public to promote proactive leak detection and reporting?

Community engagement is a key component of the initiative. WASCO plans to implement a robust sensitisation campaign to highlight the importance of leak detection and reporting. This will involve engaging communities and stakeholders through awareness campaigns through social media platforms and other activities designed to create a proactive environment where leaks can be quickly identified and addressed.

Also, by rebuilding trust with all stakeholders and ensuring swift and efficient repairs, WASCO aims to foster a collaborative approach to addressing water leakage issues. The community sensitisation programme will include a variety of activities aimed at educating citizens on the importance of leak detection and reporting.

Will there be any changes in customer rates to fund this initiative? If so, can you provide some details?

No! The focus is only on utilising available resources and seeking additional internal support from skilled personnel to enhance the speed and reach of the repairs.

The initiative is focused on the Maseru water distribution network. Are there any plans to roll out similar campaigns in other regions of Lesotho? If not, how does WASCO plan to address leakage issues in those areas?

While the initial focus is on the Maseru water distribution network, the success of “Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang” can serve as a model for expanding repairs and improvements to other areas. WASCO plans to leverage the lessons learned from this initiative to address leakage issues in other regions of Lesotho, ultimately enhancing the overall water distribution system.

In a country like Lesotho where water scarcity is a significant issue, how does WASCO envision this operation to broader water security initiatives?

‘Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang’ is a critical step towards enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of Maseru’s water distribution system. By addressing leaks and reducing water losses, the initiative will contribute to broader water security efforts in Lesotho. The success of this operation can serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at conserving water and ensuring equitable access to this vital resource.

Can you say how this initiative aligns with WASCO’s broader mission of ensuring equitable access to water for all citizens as well as how the operation fits into WASCO’s broader strategy for modernising and maintaining water infrastructure in Lesotho? This initiative aligns with WASCO’s broader mission of ensuring equitable access to water for all citizens by improving the efficiency and sustainability of the water distribution system. “Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalanang” fits into WASCO’s broader strategy for modernising and maintaining water infrastructure in Lesotho by addressing critical leakage issues, leveraging the integration of new and old networks, and engaging communities in proactive leak detection and reporting efforts. Through these actions, WASCO aims to create a more resilient water system that meets the needs of the community for years to come.