Mzimvubu River Basin

Water as the lifeblood of growth in Mzimvubu area

The Mzimvubu River Basin has been described as the river system in the Province with the greatest potential for associated development through utilisation of its resources, given its status as one of the areas of highest mean annual runoff in the country.

Situated on the eastern edge of the Kei Development Corridor (KDC), this significant potential for development could not be overlooked for inclusion as a mega project of the Corridor. It has also been listed as a core project to maximise growth and development by the national Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGI-SA).

The boundaries of the basin is the Mthatha and Mbhashe River Basins in the south, the Orange River Basin in the west, the Umzimkulu and Mtamvuna River Basins in the north-east and the Pondoland Coastal Catchments in the east.

The river basin area is one of the poorest areas of the province with unemployment levels in excess of 50%. About 90% of the population lives a rural lifestyle. Incomes are linked directly to agriculture, and most of this is of a subsistence nature. Skills development also lags far behind average, with low literacy and education levels a prominent feature. Socio-economic growth in this area is thus imperative to achieving the aims of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP) of the Province.

A study commissioned by Provincial government into the water utilisation opportunities of the river basin shows clear and significant potential in the areas of irrigation, forestry, hydropower and tourism. Irrigation in particular plays a key role in the growth of the agricultural sector, which has been identified as a major contributor to poverty alleviation, job creation and the economy of the Eastern Cape.

Currently subsistence sheep and cattle farming takes place extensively in the former Transkei area around the Basin, while commercial farming occurs in areas such as Kokstad, Maclear, Matatiele and Ugie. Along with commercial forestry, these activities contribute significantly to the Gross Geographic Product (GGP) and employment in the area.

In detailing the potential for growth linked to the resources of the Mzimvubu, the provincial study has taken into account current water usage and needs. It has found that, despite the large population in the area, the Basin has one of the lowest total water requirements in the country due largely to the high rainfall and low levels of economic activity.

A report by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry done in 2000 shows that the annual usage for urban, rural, commercial and human consumption amounts to 33 million cubic meters. An estimated 91 million cubic meters are available, leaving a surplus of 58 million cubic meters. However, in the upper catchment area of the Basin local use already exceeds the available supply. Monthly and annual variations will also impact on the water available.

Physical development potential

Forestry: An estimated 380 000 hectares (19% of the Mzimvubu Basin area) is suitable for forestry in within the parameters of the rainfall received annually, temperature and topography. Taking into consideration factors such as land use, and other socio-economic factors, the total net area available for afforestation is estimated at 65% of this total.

Dryland Cultivation: Taking into account conditions such as soil, climate and slope, the high potential arable land is between 79 300 hectares or 4% of the Basin. Some 260 000 hectares (13% of the basin) is low potential arable land. Other factors as mentioned above also impact on the availability of land.

Irrigated Cultivation: About 170 300 hectares (9 % of the area) has the soil capability for high to moderate irrigated cultivation. Factors which have in the past led to the inefficient usage of current irrigation should be investigated and eliminated for future developments.

Hydropower: Eskom is currently investigating the possibility of hydropower generation in the Mzimvubu area and has identified nine possible sites, with the highest ranking in Laleni, Tstitsi Falls, Mangwaneni and Gongo. Possible generating capacities of 16 MW to 140 MW are estimated. All options would require large dams.

Tourism: The aesthetic benefit of the Mzimvubu River Basin provides potential for development of tourism related products in the area. Tourism potential will also be a secondary benefit of development of large dams.