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Letter from Gaborone: Botswana is rich in diamonds but short of water

One of Africa's best-run economies has let poor rainfall become a crisis

One of Africa's best-run economies has let poor rainfall become a crisis
One of Africa's best-run economies has let poor rainfall become a crisis Photo: Getty Images

When Martin Kabwe wanted water to mix clay at his pottery shop in Botswana’s capital, it used to be as simple as turning the tap.

But because of the worst drought in decades, Kabwe now drives 20 kilometres to a borehole that has not run dry, and buys water in 2,500-litre drums.

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