06 Jul 2014

The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi has said Dikabeya Dam in Palapye constituency was rehabilitated (de-silted) in 1990.

He informed Parliament that the ministry had planned to rehabilitate Dikabeya Dam during the financial year 2015/16 but due to resource constraints (old machinery breakdown), the process will be carried over to the 2016/17 plan period.

Mr Molebatsi said the ministry continues to consider and assist in rehabilitating dams some of which were constructed through farmers’ efforts, but consideration was made on conditions that the dam meets the construction requirements that is, if it is suitable for impounding considerable amounts of water, and have a defined stream or river.

Other conditions were that the dam does not pose any hazards to the community and environment (during floods) and subject to availability of resources.

Mr Molebatsi was responding to questions asked by Palapye MP, Mr Moiseraele Goya, who had asked when last the ministry de-silted dams in the Palapye constituency.

Mr Goya had also asked whether there were plans to de-silt the said dams and when the ministry intends doing so. He had also asked if the ministry will consider de-silting dams that were constructed by farmers using their own labour given that the dams have proven to be a vital source of water for farmers. ENDS