The three dams in southern Namibia have received significant inflow following heavy rains and floods in their catchment areas over the past few weeks.

This is according to the latest daily flood bulletin released by the Namibia Hydrological Services on Tuesday which indicated that the water level in the Neckartal Dam stood at 102.3 per cent, while Hardap Dam stood at 72.2 per cent and Naute Dam stood at 102 per cent.

“The total content of the major water supply dams in the southern part of the country is relatively high and currently stands at 91 per cent and dam operators are advised to upscale flood control management for flood risk mitigation and early warning to communities living downstream,” it said.

The Neckartal Dam was constructed with the aim to supply water to a 5 000-hectare irrigation project scheme and the government is yet to get the money to start with the irrigation. Water in the Hardap and Naute dams supply portable water to the residents of Mariental and Keetmanshoop respectively and irrigation projects close to both dams.

The bulletin said it is likely that the lower Orange River will experience serious floods due to recent heavy rains, releases and spillage from the dams in South Africa such as Bloemhof and Vanderkloof and Namibia’s southern dams, namely the Naute, Neckartal and Hardap dams.

“Hence close monitoring and a high level of alertness by the communities living in the lower part of the Orange Fish catchment is advised,” it said.

It noted that the Zambezi and Okavango rivers continue with their gradual rise and the water levels for the two rivers are lower compared to the same period last year. The Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo recorded 1.34 m, while the Okavango River at Rundu recorded 4.39 m.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency