24 Feb 2025

An employee of the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC), Mr Motlhabane Mokgware, has raised an alarm about the infestation of Salvinia Molesta, an invasive weed that threatens the delicate ecosystem of the Okavango Delta.
Mr Mokgware has urged the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement to revive the hydrology unit under the Department of Water and Sanitation, which historically played a crucial role in managing the weed’s growth.
He emphasised that the persistent spread of Salvinia Molesta poses a significant threat not only to the delta but also to other water sources, with no clear efforts currently underway to control its expansion.
“The weed impacts the flow trends of the river system, leading to a continuous decline and exacerbating the severe water shortages in Maun,” Mr Mokgware explained.
He recounted his experiences with the hydrology unit, where teams would patrol the delta, utilizing weevils to mitigate the weed’s spread and unblocking water channels to prevent further encroachment.
“Our efforts ensured that it did not reach critical sources like the Thamalakane River,” he stated. However, he lamented that WUC’s current approach focuses on building water plants along the river rather than directly addressing the invasive species.
Mr Mokgware highlighted the ecological ramifications of Salvinia Molesta, noting that it could lead to poor water quality and a decrease in environmental value, ultimately affecting tourism and the health of wetlands in the region.
In response,  Minister Ramogapi acknowledged that steps were being taken to address the issue, revealing ongoing discussions with the permanent secretary regarding the management of water channels and rivers.
The problem of Salvinia Molesta has been a significant concern for the leadership in the North West region. Last year, reports indicated progress in controlling the weed, with monitoring conducted at various sites in the delta.
Council Chairman Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng provided an optimistic update during a recent speech, stating, “We are on the verge of conquering this problematic weed. Monitoring at 44 out of 56 sites showed that infestations in the lower Okavango Delta, particularly along the Abaqao, Khwai, and Boro River systems, have significantly reduced.”
Mr Kelebetseng attributed the successful control efforts to the availability of weevils in high-impact areas and limited distribution of the weed to other regions.
He further noted that most sites within the Moremi Game Reserve have achieved control over Salvinia, which now exists only in isolated patches.
The department continues to collaborate with safari camps to assist in managing the weed’s spread within the delta. ENDS