05 Feb 2017

An official from the water development section within the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security says his office is closely watching dam levels following recent heavy rains in Southern and Kweneng districts.

Superintendent Mareko Tshegetsang said in an interview Wednesday that except for Mosoboloko and Tlapeng dams in Lotlhakane West and Kubung respectively, which burst, majority of the dams were experiencing spillage but posed no danger.

He, however, said the situation at the two dams would only be attended to once the water levels subsided.

“Dams such as Taueshele and Gakgolomu in the Southern District as well as Tlapeng, Moleleme, Botlhapatlou/Maphallwane and Mmakgomoyakgosi in Kweneng district are experiencing water levels from just below normal level to normal levels and spilling at normal rate,” he said.

Asked why the dams were not attended to prior to the rainy season especially that the country has had a long dry spell, Mr Tshegetsang blamed limited capacity of the dams under his jurisdictions saying they easily gave in under heavy rains and flows.

The burst at Mosoboloko, he said, was primarily an issue of capacity as opposed to structural defects while the one at Tlapeng could be as a result of piping or compaction during construction. BOPA