Rains increase dam levels by 1%

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO | Wednesday April 7, 2010 00:00

 

Gaborone dam has increased levels from 54 percent  to 55 percent and Molatedi dam from 30percent  to 31percent.  Letsibogo dam has increased by 3 percent to 78 percent, while Shashe and Ntimbale increased by 1 percent and 2 percent respectively to reach 100 percent.   These increases, however, do not impact the months of supply without inflow. 

Metrological services reveal that Radisele, Kalamare, Pont Drift Border, Molepolole and Tonota areas received the highest rains in the past two days.  While these areas received a daily 50 millimeters (mm) plus, many other areas across the country recorded daily rainfall of above 20 mm.  The bulk of significant rains are expected to shift to the Eastern parts of the country, covering the Ngamiland, Central and Northeast districts where they are predicted to prevail.

Director of Crop Production Molatlhegi Modise has however warned that the recent rains could damage crops that are still in the fields. 'Sorghum, which is near harvest can turn black because of fungal growth,' he said. He explained that while crops need rains to grow, when they are near maturity they require minimum rains.

The rains can also cause maize that is near maturity to sprout, which is not good, said Modise.  Generally the heavy rains prevent all crops near maturity from reaching their full potential.