Kariba Dam rehab project speedily progressing, funded by EU, World Bank, AfDB, ZRA

Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are confronting a scarcity of electricity due to the reduction of power generation at Lake Kariba as the water level (in the water body) is declining. The Zambezi River Authority officials said that water allocation for power generation at Kariba North and South would be reduced by around 600 megawatts. It is expected to come down from 1,476 to 890 megawatts.

"The lake level is currently five metres above the minimum operating level when it should be eight metres above the minimum operating level at this time of the year," Zambezi River Authority recently said in a statement.

On the other hand, the Zambezi River Authority said that the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam is on course. Sudden Mukuwe, Zambezi River Authority's Contract Engineer previously opined that phase of delaying the project has gone, including the construction of an access road to carry a 130-tonne crane into the Zambezi River.

"The access road delayed the project. The initial proposed route had decomposing rock so we had to change," Sudden Mukuwe said.

The joint mission on the Kariba Dam rehabilitation held a meeting in Siavonga to deliberate on the project and see how it can be implemented as early as possible. The dam's safety is the key issue to ensure the continued generation of electricity. If the wall collapses, thousands of people will be in danger. Thus, the meeting mainly focused on the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam Wall Project.

European Union (EU), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank and Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) are funding the rehabilitation project. A gigantic amount of USD 294 million has been invested to ensure the dam's safety, as reported by Lusaka Times.

"It was treated as an emergency project and we really don't want the emergency to occur," African Development Bank's Elizabeth Muguti said.

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