Mogalakwena River in flood for the first time since 2011

MOKOPANE – Residents flocked to the town’s river last week, which was in flood for the first time since 2011.

Experts in the field say this has given nature a chance to recover.

Mark Howitt from the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre commented: “Based on the rainfall climate change, we had good rainfall 12 years ago which filled our underground water table, which caused the springs and marshes to flow and release water into the river systems. But too long a period has passed and the underground water table came under stress.”

He explained that the Gert Combrink Dam must first collect water before the river can run.

“Years ago Gert Combrink was a city clerk in town. In today’s language they speak of the municipal manager. Gert had the initiative to have the dam built and he brought significant development to town. He helped the town to be supplied with water from various sources.”

The dam, Howitt says, was built in the flow of the town river.

“The river comes from above in the Makapan Valley where it flows through the farms. The municipal boreholes are found on the farms, which together with Doorndraai Dam supply the community with water. During the dry season, the boreholes carried the town although the water table dropped a lot. With the good rainfall this past season, the water table gets a chance to recover. The water table is still not 100% where it was but it is increasing.”

“Years ago trophy fish could be found in the dam and people competed to catch the biggest one. The water from Makapan Valley was also channelled to town, which helped residents grow vegetable gardens and have lush green gardens.”

The overflow from the Gert Combrink Dam flows under the bridge in Pretorius Street, past Dudu Madisha Street, under the N11, through Sekgagapeng until it reaches the Mogalakwena River.

Howitt added that the pollution found in the river has been washed now and nature is given a chance to recover.