This article examines the adverse effects of a fragmented water management framework and
the role of domestic water users on water conservation in Gaborone, the rapidly growing
capital city of Botswana. There was a major drought in Botswana in 2004, which recurred in
2007. The drought seriously affected water availability in Gaborone, re-igniting the water
conservation debate. Most urban households prior to 2004 did not practise water
conservation, except in cases of enforced temporary measures, such as water restrictions and
increased water tariffs imposed by the Water Utilities Corporation. From secondary evidence,
the situation had not changed much in 2007.