Metsimotlhabe River | |
---|---|
Location | |
Country | Botswana |
Physical characteristics | |
Mouth | |
• location | 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]
Citations
Sources