430km Tati River: That drives from the North-Eastern of Gaborone in Botswana is Rehabilitated amidst Climate challenges

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– Tati River in Botswana at Francistown Rehabilitated amidst Climate Change owed to unlawful human activities, the the river has been remade into a deplorable disposal ground for solid waste from nearby industries and sewage. In its pristine state, the river was renowned for its crystalline waters, flowing gracefully through the picturesque landscape, said 73-year-old Mosalagae Ditshotlo, who was born and raised in Francistown.

“This river was our source for survival, as we used to catch fish in it,” Ditshotlo said in a recent interview.

The river was also a source of drinking water for many in Francistown. Emanating from the highlands of northeastern Botswana, the 380-km river showcased its natural grandness, intriguing the nuclei of locals and visitors alike. The river joins the Shashe River as it washes through Francistown, constituting a unified union of waters before flowing into the Limpopo River, which borders Botswana and South Africa.

Tati River today is a grim scene, Ditshotlo said, fighting back tears. He stressed that the portrayal of the good olden days when he would join his friends swimming in the river would remain a fantasy. The river is now plagued with unbridled vegetation, and evolving into a hiding place for hooligans, Ditshotlo said.

Maria Thabala, another witness of the Tati River at its prime, said that till the turn of the millennium, the water in Tati was still obviously of any pollution and potable.

“But the negligence of individuals and authorities has allowed solid waste and untreated wastewater to be indiscriminately dumped into its once-glistening depths,” said Thabala, 67.

Philip Sandawana, a district environment coordinator at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, said plans are underway to straighten up the river, particularly at a time of climate change.

Like Tati, many rivers, streams, and other water bodies in Botswana have been impaired due to human behaviors and practices. The restoration of Tati River will be done in phases, commencing with chopping down big trees and uprooting reeds in the river. The next step would be the removal of tires and other solid waste from the water.

“We are doing everything in our power to save the river from extinction,” the district environment coordinator said, adding that the rehabilitation of water bodies will be extended to other parts of Botswana.

Fidelis Molao, Minister of Agriculture, said Botswana can accelerate the expansion and adoption of sustainable technologies and create green jobs that contribute to conserving and resuscitating the environment.

“As our planet faces increasing environmental challenges, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices and technologies in order to mitigate the impact of climate change and preserve our natural resources,” he noted.

New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent