Enhancing Sludge Management for Botswana’s WUC

World Water Academy (WWA) hosted a four-day study visit for seven employees from Botswana’s Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) in December ‘24. This initiative aimed to address the pressing need for improved sludge management practices across Botswana’s diverse wastewater treatment plants. Responding to WUC’s desire to optimise operational efficiency and sustainability, WWA designed a comprehensive programme to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to enhance sludge treatment processes in their local context.

Programme

The programme began with an introductory session at WWA’s headquarters in Nieuwegein, led by Dutch water experts Jörgen Verschoor and Bonny Everaars. This session explored sludge treatment practices in the Netherlands and Botswana, fostering discussions on local challenges and opportunities. Key topics included sludge thickening, digestion, and advanced dewatering techniques, with insights from industry specialist Eddie Koornneef (Royal HaskoningDHV).

Participants also visited cutting-edge wastewater treatment facilities, such as those in Apeldoorn and GMB Zutphen, where they learned about operational processes, sludge composting, and sustainable reuse methods. Throughout the visit, participants engaged in hands-on assignments, culminating in group presentations where they applied their insights to real-world challenges in Botswana.

Outcome

The study visit provided WUC employees with innovative strategies and tools to enhance sludge treatment processes. Participants left inspired and confident in their ability to apply these practices to improve wastewater management in Botswana.

“One of the most valuable aspects of the course is how it aligns theory with practice, and I really appreciated the insights provided by the industry experts.” – WUC Participant
The programme received a near-perfect final score of 9.9 from the participants, underscoring its impact and relevance.