Botswana headed for drought next year � Bots society

Staff Writer | Monday February 24, 2014 16:15

 

The Botswana Society revealed this in their notes for their forthcoming symposiums on water resources, a topic they say has been motivated by the forecast climatic conditions which call for serious measures to conserve water and exploit alternatives.

According to the Botswana Society weather forecasts for 2014 indicate that an ENSO or a weak El Nino is forming in the Pacific, increasing the likelihood that in the coming 12 months the southern hemisphere will experience high [possibly record high] temperatures and below average rainfall. 

Higher temperatures in Botswana, which correlate with low rainfall, also suggest that Botswana may be headed into its fourth year of drought, and that its water resources, already under strain, may be under additional, significant stress, the Botswana Society press release states in part.

It is as a result of this that the Botswana Society has come up with a public forum on water that aims to bring together facts, expertise and thoughtful opinion for the purpose of educating the public and informing policy development and implementation. 

On February 26, the Botswana Society and Livingstone Kolobeng College will launch the 2014 Public Forum Series, under the theme, “What Does the Future Hold for Botswana’s Water Supply?”

Four public forums (all free and open to the public) are scheduled during the year, offering informed commentary and discussion on key sub-topics of this vital national issue.  The series is supported by Mmegi, Weekend Post, and the Sunday Standard newspapers. 

This first forum will adress the theme, “What are Botswana’s Existing and Potential Water Resources? Ground water? Surface water? Rainfall projections? 

The speaker is Gaselemogwe Senai,  Infrastructure Director, Water Utilities.

The first forum will be followed by Forum 2, on May 28, themed “What is the State of Botswana’s Water Infrastructure?  Storage, Conveyance? Treatment?” Dr Godfrey Mudanga, CEO, Water Utilities will be the speaker.

During Forum 3 in August, the Botswana Society will host on the theme “What Alternative Water Sources are Available? Desalinisation? Groundwater recharge?  Do our neighbours have some answers?”

There will also be Forum 4, in October, with the theme, “What is the State of Botswana’s Water Culture? Demand management? Conservation? System leakage?”