The Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant is a cutting-edge facility that combines the refurbishment of existing infrastructure with the construction of advanced new water treatment systems. Spearheaded by Khato Civils in a joint venture with South Zambezi, the project enhances the nation’s water treatment capacity, positioning Botswana as a regional leader in sustainable water management across SADC.
Boasting a daily output of 284 megalitres (megalitre equivalent to one million litres), the plant now stands amongst the largest in the region. This development comes as a vital step towards securing water supply amidst increasing population pressures. For Khato Civils, a 100% black-owned company, the completion of the Mmamashia plant serves as a showcase of African expertise in a sector often led by international players. Khato chair, Simbi Phiri, emphasised that the project demonstrates the capacity of African firms to excel in high-stakes technically demanding industries. “It’s reassuring to know that African firms can plan, design, and execute projects of this scale and complexity. “This project required quick decision-making and close collaboration with all involved parties, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished,” Phiri stated. Khato Civils’ CEO, Mongezi Mnyani, echoed this sentiment, noting: “Delivering the largest water treatment plant in the SADC region is a testament to our capabilities as an African firm. “We are incredibly proud to contribute to Botswana’s water security whilst demonstrating that African companies are competitive on a global stage.”
Mnyani also highlighted that 90% of the workforce for the project comprised Batswana, with 22 local subcontractors involved, ensuring that the project benefited the local economy and provided valuable skill transfers to local workers. In addition to expanding water capacity, the project includes an on-site analytical lab to ensure the highest water quality and the construction of an A1 intersection road to improve plant access. Project manager, Allen Mamombe, detailed how these additions will help meet Botswana’s water demands whilst ensuring rigorous quality standards. “Beyond quantity, we’re committed to delivering water that meets the highest quality standards,” he explained. The project wasn't without its challenges. The global COVID-19 pandemic delayed construction and disrupted supply chains, putting Khato Civils’ resilience to the test. Mnyani reflected on this period saying the pandemic tested Khato’s adaptability but ultimately made the company stronger and more capable. With construction now complete, the project enters a year-long Defects and Liability Period, during which Khato Civils and South Zambezi will continue to fine-tune plant operations. Eddy Sikaala, the director of Projects at South Zambezi, underscored the importance of this phase in ensuring the plant meets regulatory standards and operates at full capacity.
“We are focused on making sure the water produced meets the necessary chemical standards and is supplied in the planned volumes,” Sikaala said. The Mmamashia Water Treatment Plant stands as a symbol of Botswana’s commitment to sustainable development and the remarkable capabilities of African expertise. Through collaboration, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to quality, the Mmamashia project has become a beacon of progress for Botswana and the wider SADC region.
