A SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODEL OF PART OF THE PONGOLO RIVER FLOODPLAIN: DEVELOPMENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT POLICY ANALYSIS

Abstract

The issue of allowing the timing, duration and magnitude of a flood release to be determined by man has led to a wide spectrum of viewpoints as to which values of these parameters are most suitable for the Pongolo River Floodplain, where the Pongolapoort Dam provides the source of water. With this dissent in mind, a mathematical model of part of the floodplain has been formulated, using the system dynamics methodology. This model is based on the ecosystem of Tete Pan, and concentrates on the aspect of preservation of the quantity and diversity of fish, with attention being given to the flora, such as the submerged plant, Potamogeton crispus, which contribute to the fish food supply.