Mariental, Namibia
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Mariental is a town in central Namibia, lying on the B1 road and the Trans-Namib Railway from Windhoek to Keetmanshoop. It is the administrative capital of the Hardap Region in an area which has long been a centre for the Nama people. It lies near the Hardap Dam reservoir, the largest lake in the nation.
[edit] History
The town was named after Maria, the wife of the first colonial settler of the area, Herman Brandt.
The Fish River which flows in a southerly direction past the town have caused severe flooding in the western side of the town. After persistent rain during February 2006, Hardap Dam's sluices had to be opened and severe flooding occurred on the weekend of 25-26 February 2006.
Previous floods were recorded in 1923 and 1934.
Since Hardap Dam was built in 1962 floods also have taken place in 1972, and 2001.
[edit] Economy
Due to the low annual rainfall in the area, game farming as well as sheep and ostrich farming are very popular in the region. An ostrich abattoir has been established in Mariental to process the meat for export around the world. Citrus fruit growing, irrigated by water from the reservoir, has also become a major product.
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