Maseru __ The newly launched "Operation Hlasela Metsi a Qhalaneng" campaign, which is implemented by Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) and was piloted at some areas in Maseru a few weeks ago has been completed and was a success.

This was disclosed by WASCO Manager Non-Revenue Water Mr. Refiloe Makhetha in an interview with the Agency, saying the campaign, which was aimed at repairing critical leakage hotspots within the Maseru water distribution networks was piloted at all areas based on the right of Ha Thamae, Lithabaneng, 'Nelese, Masianokeng and Mazenod amongst others.

Mr. Makhetha said initially, they received 315 water related reports which were pending and managed to attend all of them, including those which they received while on the job thus making a total of 427.

However, he said they were faced with a challenge of pipes which were exposed to the surface due to soil erosion and sidewalks amongst others, saying this forced them to apply more effort and resources as they did not require only manual labour.

"We also fixed pipeline pressures and we are planning to extend the campaign in Maseru northern region such as Ha Ts'iu, Foso and Motimposo amongst others, this financial year" he added.

Earlier in an interview, WASCO Public Relations Manager Mrs. Lineo Moqasa disclosed that the impetus for this campaign arose from the successful completion of the Greater Maseru Water Supply Project, which entailed the construction of new service reservoirs, transmission and distribution pipelines, and service connections that were integrated with the existing network system.

"This integration resulted in elevated pipeline pressures, subsequently leading to an increase in reported leakages" she said, adding that the WASCO third quarter report disclosed a significant financial loss amounting M5.8 million within the reporting quarter, attributable solely to leakages in Maseru.

She further said the campaign will be extended to other districts as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate water losses.

The key elements of this initiative include comprehensive identification and repair of leakage hotspots, integration of new and legacy distribution networks under Greater Maseru Water Supply Project as well as a robust community sensitisation program to promote proactive leak detection and reporting.