Misplaced Pages

#625374

62-532: Water Utilities Corporation was established in 1970 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 74:02). During its establishment, it managed a single project: the supply and distribution of water in what was then called the Shashe Development Area. The Government of Botswana expanded this mandate to include planning, construction, operation, treatment, maintenance, and distribution of water resources in the country’s urban centres and other areas. It also involved

124-1055: A multi-party system . Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Botswana . In part because the party system has been dominated by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which never lost power since the country gained independence, until 2024, the Economist Intelligence Unit has rated Botswana as a " flawed democracy ." ACP , AfDB , C , ECA , FAO , G-77 , IAEA , IBRD , ICAO , ICCt , ICFTU , ICRM , IDA , IFAD , IFC, IFRCS , ILO , IMF , Interpol , IOC , ISO , ITU , NAM , OAU , OPCW , SACU , SADC , UN , UNCTAD , UNESCO , UNIDO , UPU , WCO , WFTU , WHO , WIPO , WMO , WTO , WT. Constitution of Botswana The Constitution of Botswana commenced on September 30, 1966. Before colonial rule

186-607: A Constitutional Committee of the Joint Advisory Council drew up the Protectorate's first formal constitution, which came into operation in 1960. In 1963 consultations began for a second constitution which would confer self-government. The 1965 general election was held under this constitution, which was modelled on the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy : there was a unicameral legislature;

248-651: A Ntlo ya Dikgosi. The Ntlo ya Dikgosi acts as an advisory body to the Parliament of Botswana. This body consists of 33-35 members. In order to be eligible to be a member one must be 21 years old and a citizen. There are similar disqualifying conditions for this body as there are for the National Assembly. Members are appointed for 5-year terms. No member may participate in party politics, and many members are tribal chiefs. This body possesses no legislative power, including approval or veto power; rather they advise

310-653: A President of the Court of appeals, a number of other judges, and the entirety of the High Court. Like the High Court, the President is appointed by the President as are the other judges, with the advice of Parliament. In order to be qualified a person must have been either a judge, attorney, or law professor. As is with the High Court a person is appointed until the age of 70, barring Parliament does not find them incapable during their tenure. The Judicial Service Commission

372-605: A citizen of Botswana, be 18 years old, is registered to vote, and is able to speak and read in English. There are many conditions that disqualify a member from eligibility, most of these dealing with allegiance to other countries. Botswana is divided into the number of constituencies that they have members of parliament so that each district sends one member to the Assembly. People in Botswana are eligible to vote if they are: 18,

434-401: A citizen, and have resided in Botswana for 12 consecutive months. In addition to a parliament, Botswana also has a Ntlo ya Dikgosi. The Ntlo ya Dikgosi acts as an advisory body to the Parliament of Botswana. This body consists of 33–35 members. In order to be eligible to be a member one must be 21 years old and a citizen. There are similar disqualifying conditions for this body as there are for

496-410: A crime. The Vice President is chosen by the President from among the members of the National Assembly. The Vice President takes over for the President when the President is unable to fulfill his duties either because of illness, death, or other reasons. The Vice President is second-in-command to the President and carries out the missions of the President. This Cabinet is composed of the President,

558-443: A judge, been an attorney, been a law professor with a law degree, or been a Chief Magistrate. Appointments to this court are until the person reaches the age of 70. The only other reason a judge would leave the high court is if the Parliament decides the person is no longer able to properly perform their duties. The High Court has authority to interpret the constitution. If there is disagreement on any interpretation, that disagreement

620-408: A member from eligibility, most of these dealing with allegiance to other countries. Botswana is divided into the number of constituencies that they have members of parliament so that each district sends one member to the Assembly. People in Botswana are eligible to vote if they are: 18, a citizen, and have resided in Botswana for 12 consecutive months. In addition to a parliament, Botswana also has

682-556: A prime minister and cabinet of five ministers responsible to the legislature; and a purely consultative Ntlo ya Dikgosi . When Botswana achieved full independence on 30 September 1966, the prime minister was replaced by a president elected by the legislature (renamed the National Assembly ), and given executive powers. A series of later amendments to the Constitution have increased the number of elected members of

SECTION 10

#1732780763626

744-409: A study to rationalise the water sector in Botswana in order ensuring uniform service levels by the government. Botswana 's water policy is based on the 1991 Botswana National Water Master Plan (NWMP), with recommendations for reform made in a 2006 review. The NWMP covers water resource monitoring and management, and water project feasibility studies and implementation. A Water Sector Reforms Project

806-414: Is a voting member of the National Assembly. There are an additional 57 elected members of the National Assembly. There is also a speaker of the Assembly who is elected by the members of the Assembly, but does not necessarily have to be a member of the assembly themselves. There is also a deputy speaker elected by the Assembly. In order for a person to be eligible to be a member of the Assembly they must: be

868-530: Is allowed to appoint or remove people to or from: Ambassador, High Commissioner, Secretary to the Cabinet, Attorney-General, Director of Public Prosecutions, Permanent Secretary, Commissioner of Police, and f. any other superscale office. This section also establishes 5 year renewable terms for the Director of Public Prosecutions as well as establishes a 60 year age limit for the Director of Public Prosecutions and

930-537: Is being undertaken in 2008-2013. Within the terms of this project, the Water Resources Council advises the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, monitors and allocates water resources between users, and develops policy for managing water resources. The Department of Water Affairs ensures that sufficient water is available from sustainable sources to meet the needs of the economy. The WUC

992-805: Is created to help advise the President on judicial nominations. It consists of the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeals, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, a member of the Law Society nominated by the Law Society, and a person of integrity and experience who is not a legal practitioner appointed by the President. This section details rules and regulations regarding public service. This section states anything not stated in

1054-606: Is economically self-sufficient, raising enough revenue from billing and subsidies to cover operational costs, investments and debt servicing. When compared to other utilities in sub-Saharan Africa, the WUC is extremely efficient in revenue management. The WUC is administratively divided into the South region based in Gaborone with Management Centers servicing Gaborone, Mochudi , Lobatse , Molepolole , Kanye , Gantsi and Tshabong ; and

1116-411: Is guaranteed rights regardless of race, creed, or sex. The rights are as follows: "(a) life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law; (b) freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and (c) protection for the privacy of his or her home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation, the provisions of this Chapter shall have effect for

1178-407: Is little checks in place on who becomes President and who is able to advise and consent to certain presidential actions. This has led some scholars to call for direct elections of the President so that the President is held more accountable by the people as well as by the National Assembly . Another criticism is the constitutions handling of tribes and tribal law . The constitution supports

1240-567: Is no incentive to these users to curb their use of water. Other flaws in the rate structure also discourage the most efficient use of the scarce water resource. Starting in 1992, the WUC has been piping water to every city plot in Gaborone, taking responsibility for installation and for billing and collection charges. The Gaborone City Council (GCC) was providing free water via standpipes in Self Help Housing Areas, while paying

1302-437: Is noted for being extremely gender neutral , with only one reference to sex in the entire document. Some argue that this is beneficial as to show gender equality; however, others point to this gender neutrality as acceptance of de facto discrimination . Those who argue this state that women have to fight for laws in the negative, in that they have to get laws to allow them to do things that should already be granted to them in

SECTION 20

#1732780763626

1364-409: Is responsible for delivery of water and wastewater services country-wide. Local kgotla community meetings resolve water-related disputes. The WUC was established in 1970 to manage a water supply and distribution project in the Shashe Development Area. Today the WUC provides water to the cities of Gaborone and Francistown and the towns of Lobatse , Jwaneng , Selebi-Phikwe and Sowa . The WUC

1426-405: Is settled by the High Court. Botswana has had ten chief justices: The Court of Appeals has the right to hear any case in Botswana in which one party has appealed the decision found. This court consists of a President of the Court of appeals, a number of other judges, and the entirety of the High Court. Like the High Court, the President is appointed by the President as are the other judges, with

1488-412: Is the chief executive of the state. The President is elected president by members of the National Assembly. These members state on the ballot who they would support for President if elected, and after election to the National Assembly vote for whomever they indicated they would elect as President. The President has the following requirements: (a) is a citizen of Botswana by birth or descent; (b) has attained

1550-426: The National Assembly . This is due to the county's first-past-the-post electoral system, which makes it more difficult for women of any party to win seats. Although gender quota initiatives in the country have been largely ineffective, some scholars argue that they prove that the constitution has failed to account for the need of constitutional provisions protecting female representation . Botswana's constitution

1612-467: The Assembly. This is important because minority voices can be hidden in certain electoral systems , but some assert that the constitution of Botswana protects the voices of the minorities. Another argument that some scholars make is in reference to the power of the President . The constitution places a lot of power in the position of President , and as the country has had only one ruling party there

1674-542: The Auditor-General. Finally, this section protects pre-existing pensions for people receiving pension before the creation of the Constitution. This section describes the varying financial rules. It begins by setting up a Consolidation Fund in which all revenue made by the country will be combined into one fund. Parliament regulates the use of this fund. Contingency funds may also be created by Parliament in emergencies in order to make it easier to use funds outside of

1736-459: The Cabinet are responsible for advising the President with respect to the policy of the government. This section describes both the National Assembly as well as the Ntlo ya Dikgosi, which together create the Parliament of Botswana. The Parliament consists of the President and National Assembly. The president is a voting member of the National Assembly. There are an additional 57 elected members of

1798-550: The Consolidation Fund. There is an Auditor General position who is accountable for the accounts of the country. The final part of the Constitution details 3 main ideas. First, it establishes a process for a public servant to resign from their position. Second, it states a person can be reappointed to a public servant position unless explicitly not allowed by the Constitution or a law of Parliament. Third, it defines shortened versions of phrases used such as "Assembly" for

1860-454: The Court of Appeals, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, a member of the Law Society nominated by the Law Society, and a person of integrity and experience who is not a legal practitioner appointed by the President. Politics of Botswana takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic , whereby the President of Botswana is both head of state and head of government , and of

1922-537: The Department of Water Affairs to WUC, and to transfer waste water management from the District Councils to the WUC. The NWMP is over twenty years old, and needs review. Transboundary water management is not covered by a formal policy framework in Botswana, although Botswana has ratified international agreements on management of transboundary rivers. Given the importance of transboundary river basins in

Water Utilities Corporation - Misplaced Pages Continue

1984-456: The Department of Water Affairs. The Department of Water Affairs arranges distribution of this water and water from its own sources such as well fields to seventeen major villages. About half of the water delivered to the major villages comes from the WUC. District Councils supply water to more than 200 smaller villages. Some water users arrange their own supplies of water. As of 2012, there were plans to transfer responsibility for water supply from

2046-438: The National Assembly, and the size of the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. Other constitutional changes were made in 1994 and 1997. The constitution is divided into 9 chapters, each detailing certain areas such as individual rights and the delegation of executive powers. This section declares Botswana an independent nation as well as defines the public seal. This section defines the rights of the citizens. It begins by stating that everyone

2108-427: The National Assembly. While the constitution has been relatively stable in terms of being the governing document, some scholars, including Gretchen Bauer, Druscilla Scribner, John Holm, have argued that the constitution does not adequately protect women or minorities . In Botswana, there have been movements in order to try and establish gender quotas in the constitution, so that women are more able to win seats in

2170-412: The National Assembly. The member is appointed for 5 year terms. No member may participate in party politics, and many members are tribal chiefs. This body possesses no legislative power, including approval or veto power, rather they advise the Parliament on bills and measures. A power the body does have is to summon members of the government to appear before it. This section describes the varying parts of

2232-470: The National Assembly. There is also a speaker of the Assembly who is elected by the members of the Assembly, but does not necessarily have to be a member of the assembly themselves. There is also a deputy speaker elected by the Assembly. In order for a person to be eligible to be a member of the Assembly they must: be a citizen of Botswana, be 18 years old, be registered to vote, and be able to speak and read in English. There are many conditions that disqualify

2294-627: The North region based in Francistown with Management Centers servicing Francistown, Mahalapye , Palapye , Serowe , Selebi Phikwe , Masunga , Maun and Kasane . In June 2007, the WUC opened a contact center with a toll-free number to handle customer inquiries. The WUC's assets include the Gaborone , Nnywane , Bokaa , Shashe and Letsibogo dams, the 360 kilometres (220 mi) long North South Carrier Scheme pipeline, water treatment plants, pump stations and other equipment. Taken together,

2356-434: The Parliament on bills and measures. A power the body does have is to summon members of the government to appear before it. Local government is administered by nine district councils and five town councils. District commissioners have executive authority and are appointed by the central government and assisted by elected and nominated district councillors and district development committees. There has been ongoing debate about

2418-402: The President holds office in the National Assembly. The executive power of Botswana resides solely in the President. The President is also the commander of the armed forces. The president also has the power to pardon a person convicted of a crime. The Vice President is chosen by the President from among the members of the National Assembly. The Vice President takes over for the President when

2480-493: The President is unable to fulfil his duties either because of illness, death, or other reasons. The Vice President is second-in-command to the President and carries out the missions of the President. The current vice-president is Slumber Tsogwane . This Cabinet is composed of the President, the Vice President and no more than six ministers who are appointed by the President from the National Assembly. The Ministers in

2542-399: The President, as well as all of the other Justices but these can be advised to the President by the Parliament. In order to be qualified to be a judge on this court one must have either been a judge, been an attorney, been a law professor with a law degree, or been a Chief Magistrate. Appointments to this court are until the person reaches the age of 70. The only other reason a judge would leave

Water Utilities Corporation - Misplaced Pages Continue

2604-441: The Vice President and no more than six ministers who are appointed by the President from the National Assembly. The Ministers in the Cabinet are responsible for advising the President with respect to policy of the government. This section describes both the National Assembly as well as the Ntlo ya Dikgosi which together create the Parliament of Botswana. The Parliament consists of the President and National Assembly. The president

2666-454: The WUC for the water. In the late 2000s the GCC began removing the standpipes so as to reduce costs, causing serious problems to the many people who could not afford to pay the WUC for on-plot connections. Citations Sources Government of Botswana The Government of Botswana often abbreviated as GOB , is the union government created by the constitution of Botswana having

2728-530: The WUC's economic model. The WUC earns money from selling water, so does not have an incentive to conserve the resource. Prices and subsidies are automatically set to cover costs, removing the incentive to contain cost and minimize leaks. Many of the WUC's main customers are government-funded, and can pass on their water costs to the taxpayer. Subsidies are expected to remain over 30% of cost until 2019. Coupled with use of inefficient private subcontractors for maintenance who get pay for work done rather than for results,

2790-407: The advice of Parliament. In order to be qualified a person must have been either a judge, attorney, or law professor. As is with the High Court a person is appointed until the age of 70, barring Parliament does not find them incapable during their tenure. The Judicial Service Commission is created to help advise the President on judicial nominations. It consists of the Chief Justice, the President of

2852-399: The age of 30 years; and (c) is qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly. The Presidents term is limited up to 10 years, or however long the President holds office in the National Assembly. The executive power of Botswana resides solely in the President. The President is also the commander of the armed forces. The president also has the power to pardon a person convicted of

2914-438: The ballot who they would support for President if elected, and after election to the National Assembly vote for whomever they indicated they would elect as President. The President has the following requirements: (a) is a citizen of Botswana by birth or descent; (b) has attained the age of 30 years; and (c) is qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly. The President's term is limited up to 10 years, or however long

2976-417: The constitution or by an act of Parliament will be under the jurisdiction of the President. There will also be a Public Service Commission of 2–4 members serving 3 year terms. This commission hears all appeals of public servants who have been removed from their position and would like to return to it. If a person disagrees with the ruling of this commission they may appeal directly to the President. The President

3038-450: The constitution. Another criticism of the constitution is that it was written by the current, and so far only, ruling party in the country . The Bechuanaland Democratic party (BDP) was founded by Seretse Khama before Botswana was an independent nation , and since the country's independence the BDP has been the only party to rule , although elected through democratic elections . Due to

3100-414: The continuous rule of this single party, many fear that the constitution in place unfairly biases the electorate toward the party and its supporters. This has also led to criticism about class and ethnicity conflict . Some praise the constitution for its allowance of political competition. Because the National Assembly is elected democratically by the people, it allows for minority representation in

3162-725: The country, improvements to international coordination are urgently needed. Rainfall is unreliable in Botswana, and dry spells may last for several years. At the same time, growing prosperity is increasing demand for water to fill swimming pools, wash cars and water gardens. In 2004, there was a drought. Water in the Gaborone Dam fell to 27% of capacity, and the government was forced to impose and enforce extremely harsh restrictions on use of water. The WUC charges are based on monthly usage and aim to recover production and transport costs. They are reduced by subsidies that favor rural users and low-volume users. There are perverse incentives in

SECTION 50

#1732780763626

3224-529: The dams have storage capacity of 346,900,000 cubic metres (1.225 × 10 cu ft). The WUC also imports some water from the Molatedi Dam in South Africa. The reservoirs contain 90% of total capacity in Botswana. More water is lost from the reservoirs through evaporation than through consumption, and this is expected to increase due to global climate change. The WUC supplies bulk treated water to

3286-458: The executive, parliament, and the judiciary. The Seat of the Government is located in Gaborone , Botswana . The government is led by the president . This section defines the executive branch including the President, Vice President, and Cabinet. The President is the chief executive of the state. The President is elected president by members of the National Assembly. These members state on

3348-407: The high court is if the Parliament decides the person is no longer able to properly perform their duties. The High Court has authority to interpret the constitution. If there is disagreement on any interpretation, that disagreement is settled by the High Court. The Court of Appeals has the right to hear any case in Botswana in which one party has appealed the decision found. This court consists of

3410-486: The judiciary in Botswana including the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Judicial Service Commission. The High Court of Botswana acts as the supreme legal source, in which the court possesses unlimited original jurisdiction to hear any cases. The court has a Chief Judge as well as a number of other judges, in which the number is determined by the Parliament. The Chief Justice is appointed by

3472-462: The political, social, and economic marginalization of the San (Bushmen). The government's policies for remote area dwellers continue to spark controversy and may be revised in response to domestic and donor concerns. This section describes the varying parts of the judiciary in Botswana including the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Judicial Service Commission. The High Court of Botswana acts as

3534-447: The purpose of affording protection to those rights and freedoms subject to such limitations of that protection as are contained in those provisions, being limitations designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest. This section defines the executive branch including the President, Vice President, and Cabinet. The President

3596-425: The result is a highly uneconomic water supply. Due to the scarcity of water, costs are rising while the government plans to reduce subsidies. Prices will therefore rise, which should help reduce demand. Subsidies will have to be adjusted to assist the most needy. Standpipes are the main source of water in low-income areas, and water from the standpipes is either free or covered by a flat monthly service rate, so there

3658-418: The supply of bulk water to the then Department of Water Affairs and various Local Authorities for onward distribution to villages and settlements. Between 2009 and 2013, the water sector was restructured. The Corporation was given a new mandate to supply potable water to all urban centres and villages across the country and manage wastewater and sanitation services. These Water Sector Reforms (WSR) resulted from

3720-446: The supreme legal source, in which the court possesses unlimited original jurisdiction to hear any cases. The court has a Chief Judge as well as a number of other judges, in which the number is determined by the Parliament. The Chief Justice is appointed by the President, as are all of the other Justices, but these can be advised to the President by the Parliament. In order to be qualified to be a judge on this court one must have either been

3782-460: The tribal system, including the Ntlo ya Dikgosi or tribal advisory body; however, some argue that this unfairly favors powerful tribes leaving smaller tribes to be ruled by a body that does not represent their interests. This argument states that the constitution should be amended to include an easier and fairer way to divide power among tribes, especially because the current divisions were created with

SECTION 60

#1732780763626

3844-544: Was established in Botswana, a traditional constitution – a body of laws known as molao – was used by tribal chiefs, or diKgosi , of the Botswana people . During the early years of the Bechuanaland Protectorate , some non-Botswana also came to be ruled by these laws. Protectorate administrators kept elements, though not all, of this traditional constitution; much of it has lapsed today. In 1959,

#625374