Nkomazi Local Municipality 20 - Co-operative Governance and ...

7.2. Overview of nkomaziNkomazi is discussed interms of its Natural Resource Base, Urban and Rural Development, Economic Analysis, EngineeringInfrastructure, Social Infrastructure, Institutional Arrangements7.2.1. Natural Resource BaseThe natural resource base of Nkomazi is discussed in terms of its climate, topography, slope, geology, agricultural potential,agricultural Land Capability, High potential agricultural land and state of the environment.7.2.2. ClimateNkomazi Local Municipality falls within the summer rainfall region with the rainy season normally lasting from October toMarch. The average mean annual precipitation for the municipal area varies between approximately 750 and 860mm withaverages varying from approximately 450 to 550mm in the eastern areas to 1500mm on the higher lying western areas.7.2.3. TopographyTable 3__ ElevationRange (m) Area (ha) %101 – 200 25 412 7.9201 – 300 193 936 59.9301 – 400 86 937 26.9401 – 500 9 362 2.9501 – 600 6 687 2.1601 – 700 1 337 0.4Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Integrated Resource Information Report - 2005Table 4__SlopeClass Area (ha) %Level (0-3%) 158 511 49Moderate (4-15%) 111 955 34.6Steep (16-25%) 22 169 6.8Very Steep (25+) 31 037 9.6Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government: Integrated Resource Information Report NkomaziIn terms of topography, the following is concluded:Steep slopes and mountainous areas are to be found in the western part and along the eastern boundary of themunicipality. The Kaalrug Mountain range is to be found to the west forming part of the Barberton Mountainlandsand the Lebombo Mountain range is located along the eastern boundary.The Lebombo Plains, located between the Komati River and the Lebombo Mountains to the east, are characterized byflat to undulating landscapes.The central part between the Komati River and the mountainous western areas is fairly flat however steeper slopesoccur to the south towards Swaziland border.7.2.4. GeologyTable 5__ GeologyGeology Type Area (ha) %Arenite 34 730.01 10.73Basalt 50 784.14 15.69Dolorite 6 732.38 2,08Gabbro 388.41 0.12NKLM Integrated Development Plan 2012_2013 20