{{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 | location_map_size = | location_map_caption = | location_map_alt = | coordinates = {{coord|24|29|58|S|17|51|31|E|display=title|region:NA_type:landmark_source:dewiki}} | dam_crosses = [[Fish River (Namibia)|Fish River]] | country = [[Namibia]] | location = {{Convert|260|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Windhoek]] | dam_type = | dam_length = | dam_height = | dam_width_base = | dam_width_crest = | dam_volume = | spillway_type = | spillway_capacity = | construction_began = 1960 | opening = 1963 | cost = | owner = | res_name = | res_capacity_total = {{convert|320|e6m3|cuyd}} | res_catchment = | res_surface = {{convert|25|km2|ha|abbr=on}} | res_max_depth = | plant_operator = | plant_turbines = | plant_capacity = | plant_annual_gen = | plant_commission = | plant_decommission = <!-- map stuff omitted --> | website = | extra = }}The '''Hardap Dam''' is a dam close to [[Mariental, Namibia|Mariental]] in the [[Hardap Region]] of central [[Namibia]]. Built in 1963 while [[Namibia under South African occupation|Namibia was under South African occupation]], the Hardap Dam had remained the largest dam in the country for more than five decades. After its completion in 2018, the [[Neckartal Dam|Neckertal]] Dam near Keetmanshoop has at least 3 times the capacity of the Hardap Dam. The Hardap reservoir dams the [[Fish River (Namibia)|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.<ref name=NWR>{{Cite web | title=Hardap Resort | publisher=Namibian Wildlife Resorts | accessdate=21 February 2017 | url=http://namibianwildliferesorts.com/accommodation/hardap-resort/}}</ref>
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 [[sluice]]s have to be opened fully due to good rains in the Fish River's [[catchment area]]. [[Reed grass]]es growing in the riverbed of the Fish River, slow down the flow of water and further aggravate the danger of flooding.<ref name=sluices>{{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)</ref>
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.<ref name=sluices/>
==Etymology== The name Hardap derives from the Nama word meaning "nipple" or "wart",<ref>{{Cite web|title=IDreamAfrica|url=http://www.idreamafrica.com.na/context_links/context_link_content.php?key=Hardap|access-date=2011-10-12|archive-date=2012-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502155437/http://www.idreamafrica.com.na/context_links/context_link_content.php?key=Hardap|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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,<ref name=NWR/> gemsbok, Hartmann's zebra, kudu, ostrich, springbok and steenbok.<ref name=Mariental>{{Cite web|title=Namibia 1on1: Mariental|url=http://www.namibia-1on1.com/mariental.html}}</ref> There is also a large variety of bird species to be observed in and around the dam. [[Great White Pelican]],<ref name=NWR/> [[cormorant]], [[darter]] and [[spoonbill]] can be seen on the dam itself, as well as [[African fish eagle|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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NambiWeb|url=http://www.namibweb.com/hardap.htm}}</ref> ==Tourism== After a four-year period of renovation<ref name=Mariental/> the dam's recreational sites have been reopened in 2016. Activities at the dam include swimming, fishing, and bird watching. There is a restaurant and a shop.<ref name=NWR/>
== Gallery == <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 </gallery>
== References == {{reflist}}
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[[Category:1963 establishments in South West Africa]] [[Category:Dams completed in 1963]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Hardap Region]] [[Category:Dams in Namibia]]