ORASECOM takes a closer look at the Fish River's flow
Effects of the Neckartal Dam on ecology being investigated
A study has been completed on the amounts of water needed along and in the course of the Fish River south of the new Neckartal dam so that the ecology there and in the Orange River is preserved. The results are due to be announced in Keetmanshoop by mid-October.
The Neckartal Dam, completed in October 2019 and located around 40 km from Keetmanshoop where it collects water from the upper reaches of the Fish River, threatens to harm the ecology below the dam as only small amounts of water reach the south side of the dam. This is said to have serious consequences for the Orange River, into which the Fish River flows.The states bordering the Orange River (Senqu) – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa – are jointly addressing threats facing the Orange River Basin. They established the Orange-Senqu River Commission in 2000. ORASECOM is responsible for managing the water resources of the Orange River.
The commission had commissioned a study to examine the heavy use of river water. The river system has 23 large dams in its catchment area and is therefore highly regulated. According to ORASECOM, the Orange Senqu River impoundment area is the largest in southern Africa south of the Zambezi, covering an area of almost one million square kilometres.
The collection area includes Lesotho, where the Orange River rises, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. More than 14 million people live in the areas bordering the river, which flows into the Atlantic near Oranjemund.
"The influence of the Neckartal Dam on the flow of the lower Fish River - and thus the Orange below the point where the Fish flows into the Orange, down to Oranjemund - is determined by the amounts of water released from the Neckartal reservoir for environmental reasons," according to Urban Dynamics. The study was intended to calculate what quantities of water are necessary to preserve the ecology of the lower Fish River and also to ensure agricultural activities.
It should also calculate how much water the lower reaches of the Orange require because, among other things, grapes are grown there - the Namaqua community also grows onions and other vegetables near Grootderm (30 km from Alexander Bay on the south bank - South Africa). Some restaurants also offer boat and canoe trips.
It is expected that more water from the Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop will be used in the future. This dam catches water from the Löwen River, which in turn flows into the Fish River. South Africa and Namibia have been in talks for some time about the possible construction of a reservoir on the Orange near Noordoewer.
The study is due to be published on 16 October at 14:00 at the Schützenhaus in Keetmanshoop. To participate, register via [email protected] or 061 240 300.