In the north-eastern portion of Botswana there are currently six large storage dams within the Limpopo basin with an estimated total storage capacity of 355 mm³ (LBPTC 2010). There are approximately 100 other small dams managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, mainly for watering livestock. Some of the larger dams are discussed as follows.
Gaborone Dam
Gaborone dam is one of the oldest in the basin. Built in 1966, it has a storage capacity of 144 Mm³ and a mean annual inflow of 37 Mm³ /year (LBPTC 2010). The dam in located along the southern border of Botswana with South Africa as shown in the interactive component to the right.
Letsibogo Dam
The next largest dam, Letsibogo, has a storage capacity of 104 Mm³ and mean annual inflow of 68 Mm³/year (LBPTC 2010). Letsibogo, located on the east side of country near the border with Zimbabwe, was built in 1997 and has a height of 17 m.
Shashe Dam
The Shashe Dam is located just northwest of the Lesibogo Dam and was built in 1972 (LBPTC 2010). It is 17 m high and has full storage capacity of 88 mm³. The mean inflow annually is 49 mm³/year.
Gaborone Dam, Botswana.
Source: Vogel 2005
( click to enlarge )
Dikgatlhong Dam- Under Construction
Construction of Dikgatlhong Dam is estimated to be completed by 2012. Upon completion it will be, by far, the largest dam in the basin in Botswana with a full storage capacity of 400 Mm³. The dam is located near the settlement of Robelela and is fed by the Motloutse river.
Construction of the Dikgatlhong Dam, Botswana.
Source: Hatfield 2010
( click to enlarge )
