Following the above normal rains that the country and the region experienced since last month, the Okavango River system has immensely benefitted from the localised downpours, and this year’s annual water inflows are projected to reach downstream of the Okavango Delta by April, earlier than the previous years.
The local rains and regional precipitation from Angola and Namibia, have significantly boosted water levels signaling a positive shift for the region.
The North West District Council Chairman Itumeleng Kelebetseng told a full council meeting this week, that this year’s water inflow is expected to reach the Thamalakane River Maun by April, much earlier than last year’s July arrival.
He indicated that data from the Mohembo gauging station shows that the Okavango River’s water level had risen to 1.3 meters as of January 10, 2025. This marks a significant improvement compared to previous years, with the last major inflows recorded in 2017 following cyclone Dineo.
“Current projections suggest that the annual water flow could reach Maun by April 2025, which would revitalise the delta’s ecosystem and benefit local communities reliant on water resources,” Kelebetseng stated.
On other environmental matter, Kelebetseng has revealed that there are ongoing efforts to control the spread of the invasive aquatic plant, Salvinia molesta (locally known as Mochimbamo), despite facing resource limitations.
“During the third-quarter monitoring, 71.8% of designated sites were assessed, showing that infestations remain under control due to the presence of weevils that inhibit the plant’s growth. Key river systems such as Muanachira, Khwai, Mogogelo, and Gomoti have shown promising results, though some traces of Salvinia persist in areas like the Boro River at Nxaraga Lagoon. Encouragingly, the Thamalakane River remains free of the invasive plant,” he indicated.
In addition, Kelebetseng said while the increased rainfall has had positive environmental effects, it has however also led to widespread flooding, forcing wildlife to migrate from protected areas into villages and cattle posts.
He has since cautioned that this displacement poses a risk to human safety with animals such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles now being spotted more frequently in residential and farming areas.
“Reports of human-wildlife conflict have risen sharply, with animals damaging property, killing livestock, and threatening communities. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, especially in areas with dense vegetation, and report any sightings of dangerous animals to authorities immediately,” Kelebetseng urged.
Tragically, recent wildlife encounters have resulted in injuries. Kelebetseng cited incidents where two teenage boys were attacked by a crocodile along the Thamalakane River, a man in Shorobe who was injured by a hippo and another individual who was wounded by a leopard in the Shokomoka area. Fortunately, all victims are recovering, but he lamented that these incidents highlight the growing risks posed by displaced wildlife.
As the Okavango Delta experiences its highest water levels in years, the region faces both opportunities and challenges. While the increased water levels offer significant environmental and economic benefits, the surge in human-wildlife encounters calls for heightened awareness and precautionary measures. District authorities urge residents to prioritise safety as the natural landscape undergoes this transformation.
