27 Apr 2020

The flooding of the Thamalakane River is expected to improve the water supply in Maun and surrounding areas.

Maun and its catchment areas have been experiencing severe water shortage and the drying up of the river exacerbated the situation.

Department of Water Affairs station manager in Maun, Mr Kutlo Kgobero confirmed that the water would improve the water situation in the village and its catchment areas.

He revealed that they were anticipating the highest water levels this year resulting from the floods in Okavango River at Mohembo.

The water from the river, he said, would be a blessing, as the water treatment plants of Borolong and Wanela would improve water supply.

Borolong plant is reported to be supplying water to more than 60 per cent of Maun.

Mr Kgobero noted that the Okavango Delta and the Thamalakane River depended on the water from the Cubango and Cuito rivers that originate from Angola and passing through Namibia on its way to Mohembo in Botswana.

Reports, he said, had indicated that Angola had experienced heavy rains resulting in floods at the Cuito River hence the flooding of the Okavango River.

He also explained that Botswana, Namibia and Angola had an agreement to protect the river system that transcends their boundaries, noting that an agreement was made to identify areas in which they could gauge and monitor the water flow and share information.

In Botswana, Mr Kgobero said they monitor the water flow at Mohembo and Maun Bridge.

Furthermore, he shared that the last time the water level reached the highest peak was in 2010 as it stood at 4.72 metres.

He noted that this year, they were expecting the water level to be 3.75 metres. This year’s flow, he said, would mean that life would change for the better, as water sources would be filled.

Asked if the water would reach other sources in villages such as Motlopi and Mopipi, Mr Kgobero said according to their prediction, the water flow would only reach Motlopi.

He also noted that the ongoing Maun water supply and sanitation Phase II project would be an answer to water shortage in Maun.

The P2.65 billion-mega project is expected to improve access to potable water and sanitation services in Maun and its outlying satellite villages. Ends