| 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]
- ^ a b Kweneng District Council 2002, p. 3.
- ^ Metsimotlhabe.
- ^ Bokaa Dam - Birdlife International.
- ^ Kweneng District Council 2002, p. 34.
- ^ Kweneng District Council 2002, p. 123.
- ^ Mathala 2012.