University of Botswana

This project will build a network of air-quality monitors around landfills, wastewater treatment plants, healthcare waste incinerators and industrial areas in Botswana. These facilities provide essential services but can also release pollution that affects nearby communities, workers and the environment. The monitors will measure fine particles in the air that can harm human health, and the findings will be made openly available so that communities, researchers and decision-makers can understand local pollution levels. The project team will work with government agencies, standards bodies and community representatives to turn this information into practical action. The evidence will support stronger enforcement of Botswana’s air-quality standards, improvements to monitoring requirements for different sectors and the review of outdated pollution legislation. The project aims to leave Botswana with a stronger evidence base and a clear pathway towards cleaner air and better public health.

During this project, our team hopes to establish Botswana’s first multi-site PM₂.₅ monitoring network focused on communities near landfills, wastewater treatment plants, healthcare incinerators and industrial zones. We will make the data openly accessible and work with regulators, standards bodies, researchers and communities to turn measurement into action. Our goal is to use this evidence to assess compliance, strengthen implementation of BOS 498:2012, support sector-specific monitoring standards and inform review of the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act. By the project’s end, we want Botswana to have a trusted evidence base and a practical pathway towards stronger air-quality governance and healthier communities.

Dr. Pulane Koosaletse-Mswela, Departmental Chair – Department of Environmental Science & Senior Lecturer Environmental Quality, University of Botswana