COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is aluminium biodegradable?
No - Aluminium is an element (element 13) and can only degrade
into atomic particles. Over a long period the surface will react with
oxygen and form oxides. Apparently, the oldest known aluminium
structure in South Africa is the Jeppe Street post office. The
aluminium was installed over 70 years ago and is still performing
the service intended.
Is aluminium reusable?
Yes - But not in the same sense as cool drink bottles which are
cleaned and reused for the same purpose. Aluminium can be
readily recycled to form the same or new products without loss
of quality. As it is an element and the aluminium doesn’t degrade,
theoretically the recycling cycle can proceed forever. For a number
of reasons it is not possible to actually recover 100%. However,
based on systematic analysis, the International Aluminium Institute
estimates that 70% of the aluminium ever produced is still in
service.
Is aluminium sustainable?
Yes - Aluminium is the third most common element on earth – after
oxygen and silicon. Known deposits of bauxite are sufficient for
another 150 years at the present rate of exploitation.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Just as an example of the versatility of aluminium, as opposed to
fibreglass, with the emphasis on river travel, on a recent boating trip
from Chirundu to Kanyemba, we used both types of boat. Both craft
were of similar length and similarly powered by 60hp outboards.
From the outset it quickly became obvious that the aluminium boat
was capable of carrying a much heavier load with little compromise
over ‘freeboard’ or stability.
Another important observation was that when it came to piloting the
aluminium boat, navigating the many channels and shallow flats was
pretty straight forward. The flattish hull was able to negotiate some
extremely shallow water. This also proved a great advantage, from an
angling perspective, when trying to access likely looking back waters
where most fibreglass boats would usually flounder.
Lastly, from a fuel-consumption point-of-view, the aluminium boat
used almost 25% less fuel than the fibreglass hull during the four
day journey.
In conclusion, while both craft performed admirably well, given a
choice, specifically for river-type scenarios, aluminium would seem
to be the more practical option. - Andy Fenwick
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Boat Hire from Ngami
Marine - Botswana
Ngami Marine - owned and operated by Dan Rawson - are based
in Maun, and aside from being the Botswana agents for Mercury
Outboards, also operate a fleet of boats for hire and use in the
Okavango Delta. Located at various strategically placed boat
stations throughout the Delta, the boats range from 18' runabouts
(mostly aluminium boats manufactured by Aliboats) up to 8 metre
craft and come complete with driver and the expertise they offer.
Operating under the name of Okavango Boating, they have the
concession for the Boat Station in Moremi Game Reserve at
Xakanaxa where boats are available for hire hourly,
daily or for overnight trips.
While many of the safari operators throughout the Delta do have
craft for guests, these are often governed by activity schedules that
may not always suit more specific pursuits like fishing. Anglers
wishing to take their own craft into Botswana are required to obtain
and present an original import license upon entry to Botswana
(copies will not work). In addition, imported vessels are required to
be sprayed for noxious alien weed which can damage the delicate
system that is the Okavango. Whether staying at one of the many
luxury lodges within the Delta, or simply camping, Dan’s fleet take
the hassle out of boating in Botswana. In addition to leisure craft,
they also operate several large freight barges which run fuel and
other supplies to lodges and facilities during high water
levels when road access is limited.
Visit them at Plot 14/15 Nkwe Street, Boseja, Maun, or for more
information contact them on Maun Tel/Fax + 267 6960364 or
6862401 or e-mail them at [email protected].
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