the monitor

Unveiling mystery behind fissures in Hatsalatladi

Cracked land. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Cracked land. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

After years of not knowing the cause of the cracks in the ground in areas like Hatsalatladi, the reasons have finally been uncovered.

A Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI) study has found that heavy rainfall, groundwater dynamics, and geological faults play a significant role in the formation of the fissures. BGI marketing and public relations officer, Aobakwe Gofamodimo, a site inspection has revealed that subsurface cavities had developed prior to the fissure formation and water from recent ingress rains hence weakening the ground and leading to collapse.

He said BGI conducted a site visit to Hatsalatladi village on January 7, 2025, to assess the recent ground fissuring incident. Furthermore, pointed out the visit aimed to visually inspect the affected areas, evaluate the extent of the fissuring and assess any resulting damage and risk to public safety. “The current fissuring incident coincides with heavy rains in Botswana following a prolonged dry season,” he pointed out. “Historical data shows that fissures have been occurring in the Hatsalatladi area for decades, with larger fissuring in recent memory occurring during Tropical Storm Dineo in 2017, highlighting the relationship between extreme rainfall events and ground fissuring in Hatsalatladi and surrounding areas.” Moreover, Gofamodimo revealed that the BGI in collaboration with the University of Botswana (UB) and Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) had recently completed a robust multidisciplinary geoscientific investigation on the causes of ground fissures at Hatsalatladi and Ditshukudu villages. He shared that the project has been completed and is at the stakeholder engagement and information dissemination stage. Gofamodimo continued: “The project was successful in delineating high-risk areas with regards to ground fissuring phenomenon and the current incident falls within such areas.”

He stated that BGI is currently communicating these findings and has already engaged the Office of District Commissioner in Kweneng District Council and Ministry of Minerals and Energy. He said these project findings underscore the critical need for land use planning and development to be preceded and informed by geological assessments such as this study to minimise risks, save costs, and reduce the likelihood of disruptions. Gofamodimo urged Batswana to exercise caution around fissure-prone areas to prevent accidents. “Fissures can be hazardous to both humans and livestock and communities are advised to report any new fissures or unusual ground activity to authorities promptly.

Furthermore, residents are urged to remain calm but vigilant and prevent children from playing near the fissures,” he said. When The Monitor visited Hatsalatladi village last week, residents expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding ongoing studies and outcomes. They complained that whilst research is conducted, no one has shared the findings with them. Furthermore, they raised concerns about the Land Board halting plot allocations, whilst the government continues with developments, leaving residents confused. During the visit, The Monitor also observed that some houses are developing cracks, whilst mud structures are collapsing, adding to the community’s distress.

Editor's Comment
UDC's 100 Days: Please deliver your promises!

We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up