30 May 2022

Environment and Conservation activists on Saturday took some time off to clean Thamalakane River in preparation of  the arrival of the water inflow. 

The water is reported to be about 39 kilometres to Maun and is expected to trickle down mid-June. 

Maun Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society, public relations officer Ms Mosetsana Moduwa said that the clean-up campaign was meant to clean the river by picking litter on the surroundings in preparation for the arrival of the water. 

She said the Thamalakane river inflow was the most anticipated time in the Ngamiland district hence noted that it was imperative that when it start flowing it should find the river clean and conducive. 

She indicated that water inflow brings with it many animals that depend on water like fish, hippos and crocodiles, however,she said these living organisms required a conducive ecosystem to survive. 

Ms Moduwa said animals and plants could die due a polluted river as their natural habitat, adding that even domestic animals like cows may die due to polluted water. 

She said Thamalakane River was a source of life for people as some catch fish and harvest Tswii, others for business purposes taking tourists on boat and mokoro rides. 

The spokesperson highlighted that even people in Maun and surrounding villages drink water from Thamalakane River. 

She said due to the rivers proximity to the village,  people gather on its banks for parties and outings where they litter and pollute it.  

She said they partnered with Association for Environmental Clubs in Botswana, Maun Technical College, Department of Wildlife and National Parks and Matapana Primary School environment and conservation club to pick litter along the river from Maun Lodge Bridge to Maun BDF camp. 

Department of National Parks, senior wildlife warden Ms Victoria Kholi explained the importance of keeping the river clean so as not to poison biodiversity.

She highlighted that the river was natural habitat to many living organisms including dangerous reptiles hence called people to exercise caution at all times when they are near the river. 

Ms Kholi further implored people not to kill nor harm living organisms in the river as they served a purpose to balance the ecosystem. 

She noted that it was the responsibility of all to clean the river because they were the ones who polluted it through human activities. Ends