12 Jan 2015

While the recent rains have led to major dams around the country recording up to more than 90 per cent of water capacity, Gaborone Dam dropped by 5 per cent to 4,7 per cent as at January 9.

According to a press release from Water Utilities Corporations (WUC), Molatedi Dam in South Africa that supplies Gaborone with 16 per cent of water at full allocation and eight per cent at half allocation, is at 19,1 per cent down from 20,8, enough to supply for 29 months.

Greater Gaborone comprises of Gaborone, Lobatse, Mogoditshane cluster, Tlokweng cluster, Ramotswa cluster and Mochudi.

It says Molatedi Dam supplies other consumers in South Africa and Botswana. Botswana gets 7.3 million cubic metres per year, but the figure is reduced to half when the dam is below 26 per cent which is equivalent to 11 ml/d. The release notes that the amount is insignificant considering the demand of the Greater Gaborone area. 

Shashe Dam recorded the highest level at 99.6 per cent, an increase of 25 per cent from the last recording of December 19

The latest water level indicates that Nnywane Dam is at 97.2 per cent, Ntimbale at 91.8 per cent and Dikgatlhong Dam, the biggest in the country, is at 90.8 per cent.

At present, Shashe Dam could supply greater Francistown with water for 23 months without any inflows while Nnywane could supply Lobatse for 13 months without any inflow.

According to the release, Ntimbale Dam is at 91.8 per cent and could supply North East and Tutume districts for 15 months without any inflow, while Lotsane is at 82 per cent enough supply for 26 months.

Greater Francistown comprises of Francistown, Tonota cluster, Mathangwane cluster, Matshelagabedi, Matsilojoe, Tati-Nickel and Mupane mines. ENDS