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Most Major Dam Levels Satisfactory Despite Erratic Rains

Home Archived Most Major Dam Levels Satisfactory Despite Erratic Rains

By Wezi Tjaronda

WINDHOEK

Namibia is not facing major water shortages in the wake of erratic rainfall of the current rainy season.

Rainfall, being the only source of water, confined itself to the northern and central parts, with the south predominantly dry while most areas received below or just normal cumulative rainfall for the October to February period.

The last dam bulletin of 26 March indicates that dam levels are much lower, currently standing at 51.9 percent compared to 76.5 percent during the 2006 season.

Water officials also indicate that the exceptionally good rains last year filled most of the dams and underground water systems, which have resulted in most of these water sources maintaining their levels.

Last year’s rainy season saw most dams filled 90 percent and more. Dams that were over 100 percent full in 2006 include Daan Viljoen, Goreangab and Swakoppoort, with three others, namely Von Bach, Omatako and Oanob recording over 99 percent.

This time around, Daan Viljoen is 2.8 percent of its full capacity, while Goreangab and Swakoppport are 93 percent and 79 percent respectively.

Von Bach presently stands at 49 percent, Omatako at 65.3 percent while Oanob is 76 percent of its full capacity.

Namwater’s Public Relations Officer, Tommi-Riva Numbala told New Era the dam levels are currently satisfactory although more rains would be appreciated.

“The ideal water level of all dams should be 100 percent full without any consequences,” he said.

The sub total of Windhoek is 67.6 compared to 100.8 percent last season, Gobabis, 35.3 percent unlike 59.4 percent in 2006 and the sub total of the south is 53.9 percent compared to 78.4 the last season.

All the dam levels according to Numbala look good under the circumstances although evaporation in some dams is higher than in others, depending on the construction of the dams.

Water consumption is higher than production because of its many uses that include household, irrigation, mining and cattle farming.

Apart from consumption other factors such as evaporation, wastages and leakages also affect water levels.

Prospects for more rain that bring water to the dams are also low considering that the rainy season is between October and March.

Weatherman Victor Kaurimuje said there was a 40 percent chance that it would rain in the areas of the northern half of the country.

“The rain falling now is however not significant and we will be wrapping up rain forecasts soon,” he said.

The highest rainfall reported last week was in Katima Mulilo, which recorded 59.5 mm on 27 March.