Metsimotlhabe River
| Metsimotlhabe River | |
|---|---|
| Country | Botswana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Notwane River |
The Metsimotlhabe River is the largest river in the Kweneng District of Botswana, draining the area that lies to the south of Molepolole into the Notwane River, in turn a tributary of the Limpopo River.[1] The name "Metsimotlhabe" means "water sand river".[2]
The Bokaa Dam was built in 1990/1991 by damming the Metsimotlhabe River just south of Bokaa village.[3] Surface drainage in the sandveld surrounding the Metsimotlhabe is limited to pans and dry valleys, which rarely carry surface water.[1] Sand extraction from the riverbed has caused problems, since this lowers the water table and causes the surrounding vegetation to die.[4] This is a significant economic activity in the District.[5] In June 2012 a spokesperson for the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources pointed out that demand was high due to the boom in housing caused by the growing affluence of the country.[6]
References
Citations
Sources
- "Bokaa Dam". Birdlife International. Retrieved 2012-09-18.
- Kweneng District Council (July 2002). "KWENENG DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 6: 2003 – 2009". Retrieved 2012-09-19.
- Mathala, Oaitse (27 June 2012). "River sand is diminishing". The Botswana Gazette. Retrieved 2012-09-19.
- "Metsimotlhabe". Metsimotlhabe. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-09-19.