- Construction projects in Maun pose a threat to flooding Thamalakane
- Illegal bowsers drawing water under cover of darkness
- Authorities called to action
With the Thamalakane River receiving flood waters from the Okavango system, there are fears the excitement for the flooding may be short-lived as some construction companies may be positioning themselves to suck it dry even before it goes any further into the Boteti River.
Last year, there was an unprecedented level of water abstraction by private contractors – some illegal, supplying construction projects in Maun, ending up sucking the river dry under the watch of the authorities.
As the water flows steadily down the Thamalakane, and with construction work ongoing, the situation may repeat itself, with the water bowsers are thirsty to get the precious liquid for free. In fact, there already fears that they may have started their deed, especially at night under the cover of darkness.
During a full council meeting, late last year councillors opined the high demand for water has seen the Thamalakane River negatively affected as some private construction companies drew water in large volumes.
Councillors opined posited then that construction companies should be barred from sourcing water from the Thamalakane River, especially when the levels are low.
“Majority of boreholes supplying Maun with water are along the river and they are recharged by the river, and if these companies continue drawing water from the river, it will dry for a prolonged time and this will in the end negatively affect the yield capacity of the boreholes,” one councilor argued then.
They feared that should the situation continue, a serious shortage of water in the district in the next 10 years will be experienced.
When responding to the concerns then, the Department of Technical Services Deputy Director, Gabalemogwe Moanakwena revealed that companies awarded phases 1 and 2 of the Maun water and sanitation project were the only ones permitted to draw water from the river when the levels were still healthy.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, he noted that the companies have since been allocated boreholes to draw water from. For those with permits to draw water they were advise not to draw water from the river.
It remains to be seen how the relevant authorities, including law enforcement will protect the Thamalakane for a pre mature dry up due water abstraction.
