12 Apr 2022

Ntimbale, Bokaa and Nywane dams are overflowing, following recent heavy rains, and residents residing or farming along their overflow channels have been cautioned to be vigilant.

Water Utilities Corporation’s (WUC) director-Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Mr Peter Sedingwe said more water should be expected into the dams as forecasters predicted more rain in the next few days.

“Secondary water users such as fishermen and farmers should exercise caution around the dams and all water sources.

Farmers need to remove any equipment that may be damaged by the water,” he said Mr Gadingwe further warned communities to ensure that children did not swim or play near the streams.

However, despite the downpours, Gaborone dam, which is Botswana’s second largest rose only by one percent to 52.2 per cent.

That, according to Mr Gadingwe translates to one million litres of inflow. Meanwhile, other dam levels across the country are as follows: Dikgatlhong 87.1%; Letsibogo 96.2%; Molatedi 40.0%;Thune 77.2%; Shashe 93.9%; Ntimbale 101.2%; Lotsane 73.9% Bokaa 106.7% and Nnywane 103.0%.

The levels represent over a year’s supply without any inflow.

Mr Sedingwe, said advised the public to be on high alert from potential floods, even from those dams that are currently not overflowing as inflows continue.

He added the department would continue to monitor their levels and urged communities to report any fatalities or changes that could take place around the dams.

The Department of Meteorological Services says there is a possibility of further ‘significant’ downpours across the country over the next week.

“While the weather system that brought us recent rains has passed, but we will continue to have isolated thundershowers across the country from the 14 through 17 April,” said principal meteorologist Linki Moreri, adding there was a high likelihood of nearly as much rain as was recently experienced, on Saturday.

This being the transition period, the nation could expect more rain all the way into winter, she said. Ends