It is currently at 36% capacity
Β The Gaborone Dam, a critical water source for Botswana’s capital city, is facing a paradoxical crisis. Despite experiencing heavy rainfall, the dam’s water levels linger at a critically low 36%, sounding alarms across the nation. This puzzling scenario raises the question: How can a region inundated with rain still struggle with water shortages?
The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) CEO, Gaselemogwe Senai, addressed this conundrum in a recent media briefing. He described the dam’s low levels as “deeply concerning” and attributed the issue to a confluence of factors that include poor inflows from the catchment area, high evaporation rates, and increased urban water consumption. These challenges underscore the urgent need for collective action to safeguard Botswana’s water resources.
Botswana’s climate has always been a mixed blessingβa land of stark beauty but also one of climatic extremes. The recent rains, predicted to be above average for the 2024-2025 season, might seem like a boon. However, climate change has altered precipitation patterns, leading to inconsistent inflows into reservoirs like the Gaborone.
Catchment degradation exacerbates this issue. Studies reveal that land use changes, particularly increased urbanization around Gaborone, have significantly reduced the dam’s runoff efficiency. This degradation means that even when rain does fall, much of it fails to reach the dam.
High evaporation rates present another formidable challenge. Botswana’s semi-arid climate, coupled with rising temperatures due to climate change, accelerates water loss from the dam’s surface. The interplay of these environmental factors makes water management a herculean task in this region.
The urban water demand has also surged, driven by population growth and economic development. With Gaborone’s expanding urban sprawl, water consumption has spiked, further straining the already limited resources. This trend is mirrored in other urban centers across Botswana, where water use efficiency remains a critical concern.
In response, the Water Utilities Corporation has outlined several initiatives aimed at bolstering water supply and security. Notably, the North-South Carrier Phase 2 pipeline is under construction to enhance water transfer capabilities from the northern dams to Gaborone. This ambitious project is seen as a lifeline that could mitigate some of the supply challenges.
Senai also emphasized the importance of groundwater development, a vital resource that accounts for approximately 80% of Botswana’s water supply. Initiatives to enhance groundwater monitoring and management are underway, leveraging advanced technologies to ensure sustainable use.
Desalination projects are being explored as another alternative. Although costly, these projects, such as the collaboration with Namibia, could provide a more consistent water source by utilizing seawater and reducing the dependency on rain-fed dams.
The WUC has also launched a national water conservation campaign, urging residents to adopt water-saving habits. Simple actions like fixing leaks and using efficient appliances can collectively make a significant difference. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote water sustainability amidst growing environmental pressures.
As of January 6, 2025, Botswana’s dams are showing mixed water levels despite the recent downpours. Dikgatlhong Dam, which quenches the thirst of Greater Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serowe, and 18 villages in Tswapong South, is currently at 76.0%. This is a slight jump from last week’s 72.6%, though it’s still below the 82.2% we saw this time last year.
Meanwhile, Letsibogo Dam, a lifeline for Greater Gaborone and neighboring areas, holds steady at 68.7%. It’s up a notch from 68.0% last week and significantly better than last year’s 57.6%.
Over in South Africa, Molatedi Dam, which also caters to Greater Gaborone, isn’t faring as well. It sits at a worrying 27.5%, a minor rise from 23.5% last week, but a steep drop from last year’s 47.7%. Gaborone Dam is in a similar situation, barely moving from 34.8% last week to 34.9% now, and still way below last year’s 51.8%.
On a brighter note, dams like Thune (56.5%), Shashe (85.0%), and Ntimbale (102.0%) are looking healthier compared to recent weeks, bringing some much-needed relief. However, Bokaa Dam is at a troubling 24.0%, a sharp decline from the 41.6% recorded last year, while Nnywane Dam sits at 80.6%, keeping us on our toes.
As Botswana navigates the heart of its rainy season, the hope is that improved dam levels will provide temporary relief. Yet, Senai’s warning is clear: long-term water security hinges on a holistic approach. This includes addressing environmental degradation, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering a culture of conservation.
In an era where climate change is reshaping landscapes and economies, Botswana’s water crisis serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate dance between nature and human intervention. The Gaborone Dam’s predicament is not just a local issue; it is a microcosm of global challenges that call for innovation, cooperation, and resilience. Water, as Senai aptly put it, “is life, and we cannot take it for granted.”
