Botswana Calls for Urgent Action to Bridge Sanitation Gap Despite Water Supply Success
Gaborone, Botswana — Government officials and development partners are pushing for stronger collaboration to improve Botswana’s sanitation services, as the country struggles to match its high water supply coverage with similar progress in waste management.
At a recent sanitation stakeholder forum in Gaborone, Department of Water and Sanitation Director Stanley Semetsa highlighted Botswana’s achievements in water access, with over 90% coverage nationwide. However, sanitation services lag behind, reaching only 70-80% of the population.
Progress and Challenges
Semetsa acknowledged Botswana’s advancements over the past decades, noting that more than 80% of citizens now have access to basic sanitation services, with urban areas nearing full coverage at 99%. Yet, rural and remote communities still face significant hurdles due to water scarcity, scattered populations, and aging infrastructure.
“We must elevate sanitation to the next level,” Semetsa urged. “This requires clear roles from government, service providers, and stakeholders working directly with communities.”
The forum brought together government ministries, researchers, and development partners to strengthen sanitation management and service delivery. Semetsa emphasized that while Botswana has had sanitation policies in place since the early 2000s, implementation must accelerate.
Pressure on Sanitation Systems
World Bank representative Liang Wang warned that Botswana’s sanitation infrastructure is under increasing strain from urban population growth, climate change, and operational inefficiencies.
“The system is under growing pressure,” Wang said. “Effective management, maintenance, and monitoring are critical.”
He noted that well-functioning sanitation systems not only improve public health but also protect water resources and support economic growth. The World Bank has partnered with Botswana for nearly a decade on water and sanitation projects, providing a foundation for further progress.
Moving Forward
The forum, themed Advancing Sanitation Management and Service Delivery for a Healthier Botswana, aimed to develop actionable strategies to expand sanitation access, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance coordination among stakeholders.
As Botswana works to close its sanitation gap, officials stress that collaboration and urgency are key to ensuring sustainable solutions for all citizens.
— Reported by Nexio News
