Geological mapping to benefit //Kharas inhabitants

AI-AIS, 27 AUG  – Farmers in the //Kharas Region will now be able to accurately determine where underground water is located with the new detailed geological maps, Ministry of Mines and Energy Deputy Permanent Secretary, Gloria Simubali said.
She said this in an interview with Nampa on Friday, adding that with the new detailed maps, more important features can be seen.
“Features that are located within 500 kilometres can be seen whereas before, the features were limited to a distance of 10 000 kilometres and one could not see the smallest features on the map,” she explained.
Simubali added: “These maps will make it easier for farmers searching for water as they now will be following structures that are understood to direct the flow of water and even the rocks which hold water, and not using a stick to detect where the water is as it was done in the past.”
She further noted that those who have interest in the minerals sector can also benefit from the new detailed maps as certain minerals are found in different rock types.
“You have to understand the types of rocks to discover the different minerals and that information is available through the new maps.”
Upon the official presentation of the maps at Ai-Ais earlier in the week, //Kharas Governor, Lucia Basson said the region is confident that the new geological mapping information will be put to good use.
“It would help in terms of land planning and finding solutions to water shortage, especially in the areas of Grünau and Warmbad which constantly experience severe water shortages,” she said.
Basson noted that the region remains one of richest in terms of natural resources, expressing belief that the new detailed geological mapping results would be used to attract investors to the region to explore industrial minerals and semi-precious stones.
The governor further commended the mines ministry for carrying out the survey and sharing the information with the region, adding that the results will be used at the //Kharas Regional Investors Conference in September next year.
Between 2013 and 2017, the ministry through the Department of Geological Survey in collaboration with the Council for Geoscience of South Africa carried out the detailed mapping exercise in the //Kharas Region.
The constituencies covered during the geological mapping survey are Karasburg East and West, Berseba and Oranjemund. – NAMPA