Despite the recent downpours, Gaborone Dam’s water levels have dropped to a precarious 36%, raising serious concerns about water security for the capital city and its environs.
As the primary water source for Gaborone, the dam’s poor performance has drawn attention to deeper issues affecting water management in Botswana.
At a media briefing on Friday, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) CEO, Gaselemogwe Senai, attributed the situation to a combination of degraded catchments, insufficient runoff, and rising urban water consumption.
“The rain we’ve received hasn't translated into sufficient inflows for the dam. Catchment degradation and other environmental factors are limiting our ability to harness rainfall effectively,” Senai explained.
The dam, with a maximum capacity of 144 million cubic metres, has faced mounting pressure due to high evaporation rates and increased demand from a growing population.
Senai described the current state of the dam as a wake-up call for the nation, urging stakeholders to prioritise water conservation and better resource management.
Whilst other dams in the country show varying levels of stability, challenges remain widespread. Dikgatlhong Dam, serving key areas like Palapye and Serowe, stands at 86%, improving slightly from 65% recorded over the same period last year. Letsibogo Dam has also risen to 72% from 32%. However, Bokaa Dam has plummeted to 24%, a sharp decline compared to 41.6% during the same period last year.
Molatedi Dam in South Africa, which supplements Gaborone’s supply, continues to struggle at 27.5%, only slightly above last week’s 23.5%. Meanwhile, Ntimbale Dam offers a glimmer of hope with levels exceeding capacity at 102%.
The WUC has outlined various measures to mitigate the crisis, including the North-South Carrier Phase 2 pipeline, aimed at boosting supply to Gaborone.
Additional strategies include groundwater development and exploring alternative technologies such as desalination.
Senai also emphasised the role of citizens in addressing the crisis.
“Simple actions like fixing household leaks, installing water-saving devices, and using greywater for non-potable purposes can have a collective impact,” he said.
The broader issue of climate change was also highlighted, with Senai warning that changing weather patterns will continue to challenge Botswana’s water systems. “This isn’t just about today’s rainfall or dam levels. It’s about how we adapt and plan for the future,” he said.
As the rainy season progresses, WUC remains hopeful for improved inflows but acknowledges the need for long-term solutions.
Regular updates and public engagement are part of the corporation’s approach to navigating the challenges ahead.