Dikgatlhong dam project, Botswana

21st April 2011 By: Lindiwe Molekoa

Name and Location
Dikgatlhong dam project, Botswana.

Project Description
The Dikgatlhong dam will be one of the largest dams in Botswana, with a capacity of 400-million cubic metres of water.

The dam is being built 2 km below the confluence of the Shashe and Tati rivers, 3 km from the border with Zimbabwe and about 50 km north-east of Selebi Phikwe. The earth-filled dam is 4,5 km x 41 m with an off-channel spillway, which will be useful in the event of overcapacity. Construction works on the dam include a 25 m embankment to handle flooding during wet seasons.

The new dam and associated infrastructure will make provision for the delivery of about 3 000 l/s of raw water to the existing national north–south carrier pipeline, which transports water from the Letsibogo dam, near Selebi Phikwe, to the capital city of Gaborone.

Value
The project is valued at $300-million.

Duration
Construction of the dam started in March 2008 and is targeted to be complete on February 8, 2012.

Client
The Department of Water Affairs (DWA), under the Ministry of Mineral Energy and Water Resources.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Chocoloza Building Construction (staff housing for operators); Sinohydro Corpor-ation (dam and associated works and access road contract); Botswana Power Corporation (power supply); Jeffares & Green (design and technical consultant) in joint venture with Bergstan (lead consultant) and Gauff (electrical and mechanical design); and Messrs EHES (environmental consultant).

Latest Developments
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
On account of flooding in June 2009, the project was delayed for two months. Construction works were accelerated during the 2010 dry season to meet the original contractual target date of February 2012.

Contact Details for Project Information
Dikgatlhong dam project coordinator George Sebaileng Thabeng, tel +267 360 7346, cell +267 74666340, fax +267 390 3508 or email gthabeng@gov.bw.
DWA, tel +267 360 7100, fax +267 390 3508 or email dwa.enquiries@gov.bw.