In the face of climate change, communities have been urged to learn how to take part in taking care of groundwater to reduce their pollution to the natural resource.
Kgosi Dikakanyo Rammolai of Khurumela ward in Palapye said at a Hydrogeoday event held by Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST) students and endorsed by International Association of Hydrogeologists that it is about time community members take part in taking care of ground water than depend on government only.
Hydrogeoday was organised by MSc Geological Sciences students from BIUST, Tshenolo Larona Chaba and Phatsimo Jackie Obuseng. It was held under the theme, 'Water in our Arid Environment, Our water our peace.'
Kgosi Rammolai applauded organisers for hosting the event at Khurumela Ward, saying that this is a very informative programme, as communities need such awareness from time to time.
“This is important in the sense that they are raising awareness on groundwater and also educating people on how they could play a role in conserving it,” he said.
Obuseng elucidated the significance of Hydrogeoday, stressing its focus on groundwater awareness and the three main objectives it aims to achieve. These include: raising awareness of the importance of underground water resources, promoting scientific and technical development to help protect Groundwater and also to highlight the historical and cultural heritage associated with Groundwater.
The event was hosted at Khurumela, where attendants learnt more about the borehole. Experts explored the historical and cultural significance of Khurumela, with community members sharing anecdotes about the Khurumela borehole and its connection to the community's heritage. Obuseng clarified that it is significant to close the borehole as a way of preventing pollution, as well as reducing evaporation of the groundwater.
Chairperson of Green Team at Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN), Kelathegile Gontse highlighted the impact of climate change on groundwater. He emphasised the need for sustainable practices and explained that daily activities like oil spills from car mechanics, throwing of diapers in the bushes end up polluting the groundwater.
There was also a panel discussion moderated by Chaba, which was focused on sustainable groundwater management, featuring representatives from various organisations and academic institutions. Further discussions delved into challenges facing groundwater in semi-arid Botswana, including conflicts and monitoring.
VDC Secretary at Khurumela, Onkemetsi Mochai insighted the attendants on the historic significance of the name Khurumela. She narrated that historically, there was a borehole belonging to ancestors from which the community used for drinking water. The borehole had an opening enough to fit a tin of coke, which they used to get water by. Mochai further shared that if one would leave without closing the lid of the borehole, a mysterious voice would be heard saying, 'Khurumela' meaning close it, and that is how the name Khurumela came about.
The event ended with a field trip that included a visit to a borehole at BIUST, where attendants learnt about borehole operations and the importance of prevention measures against pollution. Practical demonstrations of field parameters were conducted by Chaba, as well as showcasing techniques for measuring pH, TDS, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
Attendants also engaged in discussions about water quality standards and solutions for saline water, including the use of reverse osmosis plants and traditional desalination methods.
Kgosi Dikakanyo Rammolai of Khurumela ward in Palapye said at a Hydrogeoday event held by Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST) students and endorsed by International Association of Hydrogeologists that it is about time community members take part in taking care of ground water than depend on government only.
Hydrogeoday was organised by MSc Geological Sciences students from BIUST, Tshenolo Larona Chaba and Phatsimo Jackie Obuseng. It was held under the theme, 'Water in our Arid Environment, Our water our peace.'
Kgosi Rammolai applauded organisers for hosting the event at Khurumela Ward, saying that this is a very informative programme, as communities need such awareness from time to time.
“This is important in the sense that they are raising awareness on groundwater and also educating people on how they could play a role in conserving it,” he said.
Obuseng elucidated the significance of Hydrogeoday, stressing its focus on groundwater awareness and the three main objectives it aims to achieve. These include: raising awareness of the importance of underground water resources, promoting scientific and technical development to help protect Groundwater and also to highlight the historical and cultural heritage associated with Groundwater.
The event was hosted at Khurumela, where attendants learnt more about the borehole. Experts explored the historical and cultural significance of Khurumela, with community members sharing anecdotes about the Khurumela borehole and its connection to the community's heritage. Obuseng clarified that it is significant to close the borehole as a way of preventing pollution, as well as reducing evaporation of the groundwater.
Chairperson of Green Team at Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN), Kelathegile Gontse highlighted the impact of climate change on groundwater. He emphasised the need for sustainable practices and explained that daily activities like oil spills from car mechanics, throwing of diapers in the bushes end up polluting the groundwater.
There was also a panel discussion moderated by Chaba, which was focused on sustainable groundwater management, featuring representatives from various organisations and academic institutions. Further discussions delved into challenges facing groundwater in semi-arid Botswana, including conflicts and monitoring.
VDC Secretary at Khurumela, Onkemetsi Mochai insighted the attendants on the historic significance of the name Khurumela. She narrated that historically, there was a borehole belonging to ancestors from which the community used for drinking water. The borehole had an opening enough to fit a tin of coke, which they used to get water by. Mochai further shared that if one would leave without closing the lid of the borehole, a mysterious voice would be heard saying, 'Khurumela' meaning close it, and that is how the name Khurumela came about.
The event ended with a field trip that included a visit to a borehole at BIUST, where attendants learnt about borehole operations and the importance of prevention measures against pollution. Practical demonstrations of field parameters were conducted by Chaba, as well as showcasing techniques for measuring pH, TDS, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
Attendants also engaged in discussions about water quality standards and solutions for saline water, including the use of reverse osmosis plants and traditional desalination methods.
