Landboard blamed for allocating plots despite report

A September 2013 report by the Department of Geological Survey (DGS) suggests that Malete LandBoard carried out investigations in Ramotswa over seepage problems in Taung, Monganakodu ward.

DSG was engaged to investigate the probable causes of the problem and field investigations were carried out by the team in February 2013.

A Global Positioning System (GPS) device was used to capture locations of the affected areas, elevation, trial pit, and infiltration test locations.

What DGS found is that seepage was encountered at around 0.60m in most pits meaning that generally, the infiltration capacities of the affected areas were low.

A map showing the shape of the land surface (Topographic map) showed that affected areas lie in the low-lying area and water ponds in the area. On flat or relatively flat ground, water has a longer time to soak in before runoff occurs.

Rainfall data presented showed that the annual average rainfall for the area is 476.6 mm.

When reached, Meteorologist Janet Selato of Botswana Meteorological Services explained that flooding occurs when large amounts of rainfall are witnessed in a short period of time.

“Annual average figures just indicate how rain spread throughout the year. If over 100mm of rain is realised in 24 hours then there is the likelihood of flooding but if it rains on different days, there will not be any flooding,' she said.

From their findings, DGS concluded that results and observations from their investigations showed that the ponding is due to low infiltration capacities and low relief.

“Seepage was encountered at less than a meter due to the hard formation (shales) encountered at that depth. There is no stormwater drainage system to divert stormwater away from the area,” the report reads.

The DGS then recommended that the area be zoned out and not be recommended for development or that a proper storm water drainage system should be developed. Reports suggest that while the Land Board explained to residents that they would have to move and be allocated plots elsewhere, some residents refused, saying they were fine with the area. At the time, there was no visible flooding and there was no water seepage to the level it is today, and the land board went ahead to give the residents their plots as they demanded. Others agreed to be moved.

“Yes we are aware that there is a report at Land Board with recommendations but those given plots there agreed to be allocated plots in the area, we have the report with us,” the South East District Council Chairman Oshima Peloewetse said this week.

Peloewetse added that some are blindly pointing fingers yet all was explained to them and they made a choice to be allocated plots there despite being warned that the area is waterlogged. Some residents now blame the Landboard for going ahead to allocate plots there, as some of the current residents are those who bought the plots without knowing the story about the area. At the time, people had no reason to feel the place was unsafe. Investigations into the matter continue.