Hardap Dam
{{Short description|2nd largest dam in Namibia}}
{{Infobox dam
| name = Hardap Dam
| image = HardapDam.JPG
| image_caption = View of Hardap Dam at sunrise in April 2008
| name_official = Hardap Dam
| location_map = Namibia
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| coordinates = {{coord|24|29|58|S|17|51|31|E|display=title|region:NA_type:landmark_source:dewiki}}
| dam_crosses = Fish River
| country = Namibia
| location = {{Convert|260|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Windhoek
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| construction_began = 1960
| opening = 1963
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| res_name =
| res_capacity_total = {{convert|320|e6m3|cuyd}}
| res_catchment =
| res_surface = {{convert|25|km2|ha|abbr=on}}
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}}The Hardap Dam is a dam close to Mariental in the Hardap Region of central Namibia. Built in 1963 while Namibia was under South African occupation, the Hardap Dam has been the largest dam in the country for more than five decades. After its completion in 2018, the Neckertal Dam near Keetmanshoop has at least 3 times the capacity of the Hardap Dam. The Hardap reservoir dams the Fish River and is home to numerous examples of wildlife of Namibia.
Description
First envisaged in 1897, Hardap Dam has a capacity of {{convert|320|e6m3|cuyd}} and a surface area of {{convert|25|km2|ha|abbr=on}}. Construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1963.{{Cite web | title=Hardap Resort | publisher=Namibian Wildlife Resorts | accessdate=21 February 2017 | url=http://namibianwildliferesorts.com/accommodation/hardap-resort/}}
The Hardap Dam supplies Mariental and the surrounding settlements with potable water. Its location close to the city, however, also poses a danger of flooding when sluices have to be opened fully due to good rains in the Fish River's catchment area. Reed grasses growing in the riverbed of the Fish River, slow down the flow of water and further aggravate the danger of flooding.{{Cite news | title=NamWater opens Hardap Dam sluices | last=Cloete | first=Luqman | newspaper=The Namibian | date=21 February 2017 | page=1 | url=http://www.namibian.com.na/51389/read/NamWater-opens-Hardap-Dam-sluices }} (Full information only in the print version)
Before the dam was built, Mariental was flooded in 1923 and 1934. Floods after the commissioning of the dam occurred in 1972, 1974, 1976, 2000, and 2006. Since then, the dam's water level is kept at a maximum of 70% of its capacity to prevent both an overflow and an uncontrolled outflow through fully opened sluices.
Etymology
The name Hardap derives from the Nama word meaning "nipple" or "wart",{{Cite web|title=IDreamAfrica|url=http://www.idreamafrica.com.na/context_links/context_link_content.php?key=Hardap}} which is how the surrounding area of low conical-shaped hills appeared to the early inhabitants. There are fishing spots at various points along the northern shore of the lake. Permits, and a map of permitted fishing areas, are available from the resort office, or from the magistrate's office in Mariental.
Flora and fauna
The area is home to the black rhino, gemsbok, Hartmann's zebra, kudu, ostrich, springbok and steenbok.{{Cite web|title=Namibia 1on1: Mariental|url=http://www.namibia-1on1.com/mariental.html}} There is also a large variety of bird species to be observed in and around the dam. Great White Pelican, cormorant, darter and spoonbill can be seen on the dam itself, as well as fish eagle and a small number of osprey.
The vegetation in the area is classified as dwarf shrub savanna. The following trees occur: camel thorn, wild green-hair tree and buffalo thorn.{{Cite web|title=NambiWeb|url=http://www.namibweb.com/hardap.htm}}
Tourism
Gallery
File:HardapDamBirdView.jpg|The dam wall from above, 2016
File:Hardap Damm Schleuse.jpg|View of the dam gates from above
File:South West Africa stamp Hardap Dam 1961.jpg|Postage stamp commemorating the construction of the dam, 1961
File:Steenbok Namibia.jpg|Animals at Hardap Dam: a Steenbok
File:Procavia capensis.jpg|A cape hyrax
File:Boscia foetida.jpg|Close-up of a Smelly Shepherd tree (Boscia foetida)
File:Cercomela familiaris.jpg|Familiar Chat