Photo: The plain filed that was Mopipi dam
ORAPA: “We can’t say the last person to leave the mine will see what to do,” says Annah Moncho, the Environmental Coordinator for Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines.
She is explaining Debswana’s decision to embark on the Mopipi Dam Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project. The dam was constructed by Debswana’s forerunner – De Beers Botswana Mining Company – in the mid-1970s mainly to supply Orapa Mine with water. The dam dried in 1985, and Debswana has now decided to decommission it by undertaking rehabilitation work.
Ewetse Mathaba – the Mine’s Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Manager – explains that at the dam’s construction, three canals of about 3m deep and 2m wide were dug between the Boteti River and the dam. The canals were used to transport water that was diverted from the river to the dam. The water’s diversion was achieved through construction of earth bunds blocking the flow of water and installing culverts with gates. An underground pipeline was used to carry the water to Orapa. The canals, earth bunds, pipeline, culverts and gates are still in place. Also still in place are concrete structures that were left after pumps were removed along the pipeline.
Mathaba says since Debswana no longer used the area and the facilities in place, some of the structures became unsafe for the Mopipi community. In view of this, three years back it was decided to hand over the whole area to back to the Ngwato Land Board, from whom the land was leased.
“Before we could do that, we had to rehabilitate the land to ensure that certain things are put back to where they were,” Mathaba says.
The Company engaged consultants to do an environmental assessment that would identify environmental impact associated with the dam. The consultants were in constant consultation with the Mopipi community as part of the environmental impact assessment.
Interestingly, the community took the lead to guide the rehabilitation process. At the insistence of the residents, the canals are going to be left intact because some enterprising farmers grow crops in them, while others water their cattle after the rains. They have also requested that the culverts should not be removed because they are of assistance during the rainy seasons when it tends to flood.
The fate of the pipeline, however, was never in contention. Since it was deemed a safety hazard, it is to be removed as well as the chambers along the Mopipi-Orapa Road.
Jamare Jamare, the Environmental Officer, emphasises the significance of having allowed the community to take decisions independently.
“We left them on their own to make decisions,” he says. “We had no role in influencing them.”
Annah adds that the community’s involvement is key to the success of the rehabilitation programme. The P3.9 million-rehabilitation project began in July, and the forecast is that it will be complete within six months.
“Mining is an activity that changes the natural landscape,” Mathaba explains Debswana’s attitude that informs the Mopipi Dam Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project. “As a mining company, we have a responsibility to ensure that when we stop mining, we bring back the environment that has been interfered with closer to what it was. When diamonds finish, we can’t just leave. That is why we have a closure plan that spells out what needs to be done, and when. We are not just going to abandon the place.”
Annah emphasises that while it is a requirement of the new environment legislation that mining companies should set aside rehabilitation funds, Debswana took the initiative without any compulsion two years before the new Act came into force.
The village’s traditional leader, Sub Tribal Authority Gakemotho Kgweetsi, says the community appreciates Debswana’s gesture, especially since the people were invited to be active participants throughout the decision-making process.
“We never thought that it would be possible to rehabilitate the land,” says Kgweetsi.
So, what is to happen to the land once it reverts to the community?
Kgweetsi reveals that the two villages adjacent to the dam, Mokobaxane and Mopipi, have formed a Trust that already has plans to source funds to fence the area and turn it into a game park.
“All sorts of wild animals used to roam around this area,” says Kgweetsi. “We believe they can still thrive in the area because it is the natural habitat for a number of species.”
A former employee of Debswana, Kgweetsi went to work in Orapa in 1972, and only retired in 1992 to take up his current position. When he went to bid farewell to the then General manager of Orapa and Letlhakane Mines, Mike Wittet made a lasting commitment that none of his successors has broken.
“He said Debswana would never turn its back on this community, and that I should be free to approach the company anytime for any kind of assistance,” Kgweetsi reveals. “I am happy that all the General Managers who came after him have kept that promise. We get regular briefs from the management, and they consult us on everything.”
