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The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) says the water level in Kariba Dam continues to fall, with the current lake level at 477.33m, as of 04 June 2024, compared to 479.65m in the same period last year.
In a statement, ZRA said the usable live storage (for power generation) was 12.82%, as of 04 June 2024, compared to 29.27 in the same period last year.
Kariba Dam’s water level is steadily decreasing due to low inflow because of below-normal rainfall received in the 2023/24 season.
The dam was designed to operate between levels of 475.50m and 488.50m (with 0.70m freeboard) for hydropower generation for Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The 475.50m is the Minimum Operating Level (MOL) and is where the inlet valves are located. Below that level, no water flows in for power generation.
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, on 05 June 2024, was generating 500 MW at the Kariba South Power Station.
Independent Power Producers were generating 45 MW, while ZPC’s coal-fired power plant in Hwange was producing 864 MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Kariba Lake Level Steadily Decreasing Due To Low Inflow

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) said that water cannot be recycled by pumping it back into the reservoir after it has been used to generate electricity due to existing agreements among countries that depend on the Zambezi River.
ZRA stated that once the water has passed through the turbines, it follows its natural course downstream.
Early this year, ZRA drastically reduced water allocations to Zambia and Zimbabwe’s power utilities for electricity generation citing dwindling water levels caused by the low inflows due to the El Nino-induced drought.
In response to a query by a concerned Zambian citizen, ZRA also stated that while recycling water might seem like a sustainable practice, the energy required to pump water back into the reservoir would be equivalent to the energy generated during hydropower production. Therefore, from an economic standpoint, it is not feasible. It said:
<blockquote>
Once power is generated at Kariba, Mozambique awaits its turn to harness the same water for its own power generation.
Take note that existing bilateral agreements prohibit pumping water back into the reservoir. Additionally, it is worth noting that the energy required to pump water back into the reservoir above the 128-meter dam wall equals the amount of power generated, making it economically unviable.
Nevertheless, plans are underway to construct additional dams upstream of Kariba, where Zesco Limited and ZPC – Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) will generate power, offering a promising solution for future power needs.
</blockquote>
ZRA also explained why Zimbabwe and Zambia share the Zambezi River equally despite most of the inflows coming from the Zambian side. It said:
<blockquote>
The Zambezi River Authority is a bilateral, statutory body jointly owned by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Although Zimbabwe contributes 40% and Zambia contributes 60% to the Zambezi catchment, the organization operates on a bilateral basis, ensuring that all industrial, economic, and social benefits along the common border (from Kazungula to Kanyemba/Luangwa) are shared equally, at 50% each.
</blockquote>
Another Zambian citizen suggested that ZRA should migrate to other cleaner sources of energy and abandon hydroelectricity altogether. ZRA responded:
<blockquote>
The solution doesn’t lie in abandoning hydro-power generation, but rather in maximizing its potential by building more hydroelectric schemes along the same river.
This approach would enable power generation at multiple stations using the same water, increasing efficiency and productivity.
For example, the Zambezi River Authority has ambitious plans to construct two dams between Victoria Falls and Kariba Dam, as well as another dam downstream of Kariba Dam.
This strategy would optimize water utilization for power generation, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient use of this valuable resource.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZRA refrained from commenting directly on the plans of the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) to address load-shedding.
However, the Authority hinted that both entities might have strategies in place, such as importing power or augmenting their supply from existing sources.
ZRA revealed that this year’s inadequate inflows into the Barotse flood plains have led to restricted downstream flow. As a result, Lake Kariba’s water levels have significantly decreased.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRA Rules Out Recycling Lake Kariba Water For Electricity Generation

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), a body corporate jointly established by Zambia and Zimbabwe to manage the Zambezi River Basin, has noted a slight rise in the water level at Lake Kariba.
In its latest update on Wednesday, April 17 2024, ZRA said that the Lake level has steadily been increasing with records of fluctuations being observed due to low outflow from the reservoir.
While the lake level recorded on April 17 2024 (13.88% usable live storage) was significantly lower than was recorded on the same day in 2023 (23.47% usable live storage), there has been a slight increase compared to last week.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, ZRA said the lake level had steadily been decreasing, due to low inflow and reduced rainfall activity on and around the lake. The usable live storage last Wednesday was 13.59% but rose by 0.29% during the week to 13.88% today.
Last month, ZRA revealed that it had decided to maintain the 16 BCM water allocation over the first quarter of 2024 to Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities, ZESA and ZESCO respectively, for power generation. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
Given that the outcome of the rainfall forecast is generally below normal, the Authority has maintained the 16 BCM water allocation over the first quarter of 2024, providing for a combined annual average power production of 428MW, shared equally.
Based on the water allocation of 8 BCM per power utility, translating to an average power production of 214MW per Utility to the end of March 2024 when the 1st Quarter 2024 hydrological review falls due as per the standing operational framework for Kariba dam reservoir operations.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kariba Lake Level Rises As ZRA Reduces Water For Power Generation

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) on Tuesday, March 19, reported that the water level of Lake Kariba is declining, which is in contrast to its usual hydrological behaviour during this time of the year.
The ZRA attributes this phenomenon to global El Niño weather conditions. El Niño disrupts normal weather patterns, affecting precipitation and river inflow.
The headwaters of the Zambezi River have experienced reduced rainfall activity, leading to diminished inflow into Lake Kariba. Consequently, the recorded flows are below historical averages.
The Chavuma gauging station, situated in Zambia’s North-Western province, monitors river flows as the Zambezi River enters Zambia from Angola. Recent data indicates a slow increase in river flows at this station. However, it remains below the levels observed during the same period last year.
According to ZRA, on March 06 2023, the river flow at Chavuma gauging station was 992m3/s on March 06 2023, whereas on March 06 2024, it was 357m3/s. On March 19, 2023, it was 924m3/s, compared to 371m3/s recorded today, March 19, 2024. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
The Zambezi River flow recorded on 19th March 2024 at Victoria Falls has receded from that recorded on 6th March 2024 as indicated below.
Further, the obtaining flows are significantly lower than those recorded on the same date last year.
</blockquote>
On March 06 2023, the river flow at Victoria Falls Gauging Station (Nanas Farm Gauging Station) was 2,569m3/s on March 06 2023, whereas on March 06 2024, it was 794m3/s. On March 19, 2023, it was 2,510m3/s , compared to 751m3/s recorded today, March 19, 2024.
The impacts of low water levels at Lake Kariba include reduced power generation which results in increased load shedding; fluctuations disrupt habitats, breeding grounds, and aquatic life; ships, boats, and ferries face challenges due to shallow waters; and low water levels impact recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife safaris.
ZRA has also given a detailed explanation of the concepts of Live Storage and Dead Storage at Kariba Dam. It said:
<blockquote>
The water from the Kariba Reservoir is transferred into each of the two power stations for power generation purposes by intakes that are located within the reservoir and near the dam wall.
Owing to the location of the intakes in terms of their height when referenced with the base of the reservoir, the waters of the Kariba Reservoir are split into two, namely, water that is situated below the height of the intakes, which is referred to as Dead Storage, and water that is located above the height of the intakes, which is referred to as Live Storage.
Dead Storage, by virtue of being below the intakes, cannot enter the intakes and hence cannot be used for power generation, while Live Storage, by virtue of being above the intakes, enters the power stations through the intakes and hence can be used for power generation.
It is possible to have a scenario where Live Storage can be completely exhausted while Dead Storage continues to be available in the reservoir.
</blockquote>
Currently, Kariba Dam has a Live Storage of 9.17 BCM which represents 14.16% of the possible 65 BCM of water. ZRA further explained:
<blockquote>
The Kariba Dam Reservoir at full capacity can store 181 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water. Of this total amount, 116 BCM would be Dead Storage while 65 BCM would be Live Storage. The Dead Storage remains constant while the maximum possible Live Storage is 65 BCM.
However, the actual Live Storage amount may be less depending on several factors including the occurrence of rainfall which influences the level and volume of Zambezi River inflow into the Lake, evaporation from the Lake and utilization of the obtaining Live Storage by the two Power Stations.
These factors influence the volume of available Live Storage in the Kariba Dam’s Reservoir (Lake Kariba).
Currently, the Reservoir at the obtaining lake level of 477.54 meters above Mean Sea Level has a Live Storage of 9.17 BCM which represents 14.16% of the possible 65 BCM of water.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Kariba Dam Water Level Is Falling When It Should Be Rising"

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has directed Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities, ZESA Holdings, and ZESCO Limited to maintain average power production at 214MW until the end of March 2024.
ZRA reduced the water allocation for power generation to the two power utilities by 47%, from 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 16 BCM in 2024.
In a statement, ZRA said a hydrological review in the coming weeks could result in an increment, reduction or the keeping of the prevailing 8 BCM allocation. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
Given that the outcome of the rainfall forecast is generally below normal, the Authority has maintained the 16 BCM water allocation over the first quarter of 2024, providing for a combined annual average power production of 428MW, shared equally.
Based on the water allocation of 8BCM per power utility, translating to an average power production of 214MW per Utility to the end of March 2024 when the 1st Quarter 2024 hydrological review falls due as per the standing operational framework for Kariba dam reservoir operations.
The hydrological review will among other factors considering the actual performance of the 2023/2024 rainfall season and the resulting inflows into the lake over the first quarter of the year 2024.
The results of the hydrological simulations could result in an increment, reduction or the keeping of the prevailing 2024 water allocation as is.
</blockquote>
ZRA also said to date, the Kariba Catchment has recorded below-normal rainfall due to the persisting effects of El Niño weather conditions.
It warned that there is a possibility that Kariba inflows this rainy season will be one of the lowest on record
ZRA urged the power utilities to adhere strictly to their respective water allocation thresholds to sustain generation to the end of the year.
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has been generating between 500 MW and 650 MW at Kariba Hydro over the past few weeks, but this Thursday, 07 March, generation had been reduced to a paltry 300 MW.
This week, most parts of the country have been spending up to 15 hours without electricity after weeks of relatively constant power supply.
Zimbabwe’s power demand stands at 2 100MW, yet today, ZPC was generating 684 MW from Hwange, and 300 MW from Kariba, with IPPs producing 28 MW to give a total of 1 012 MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kariba Power Generation Slashed To 214 MW

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has reduced the amount of water allotted for power generation at the Kariba Dam by 47% to 16 billion cubic metres (BCM) from 30 BCM.
In a recent statement, ZRA said that the reduction in the amount of water allotted for power generation in 2024 was necessitated by low water levels in the largest man-made lake and the anticipated normal to below normal 2023/2024 rainfall season in part of Kariba’s catchment area.
Zambia Electricity Supply Authority (ZESCO) and Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a ZESA power generation unit, will each receive an allocation of 8 BCM starting this week, down from the current 15 BCM.
ZPC operates the Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station and ZESCO manages the Kariba North Bank Power Station. Said ZRA:
<blockquote>
ZRA hereby announces that it has allocated 16 BCM of water to be shared equally between the two power utilities (ZESCO and ZPC) for their power generation operations at Kariba for the year 2024.
The 2024 water allocation was informed by the 2023/2024 rainfall forecasts made by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum-27 and the corresponding downscaled projections by the National Metrological Agencies of Zambia and Zimbabwe, which all showed a high probability of a normal to below normal 2023/2024 rainfall season for the Kariba Lower Catchment and normal to above normal rainfall season for the Kariba Upper Catchment.
This general outlook is highly influenced by the increasing occurrence of El Niño weather conditions, which are expected to significantly negatively impact the rainfall season in southern Africa.
Hydrological simulations carried out by the authority using the Kariba Inflow Forecasting System that is based on satellite rainfall measurements and numerical weather forecasts, providing short-term and seasonal flow forecasts, considering the high likelihood of a below-average rainfall season which, in turn, will likely result in below average inflows into Lake Kariba thereby negatively impacting the volume of water available for power generation during the year 2024.
Accordingly, power utilities have been advised to consider alternative sources of power to complement generation at Kariba to fill any power generation deficit that could arise due to the lower water allocation at Kariba for the year 2024.
</blockquote>
The downward revision of the water allocation for 2024 for ZPC and ZESCO negatively will impact power generation in Zimbabwe and Zambia and will most likely result in increased load shedding.
Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station is Zimbabwe’s most reliable power plant. Hwange Power Station is now very old and two units that were commissioned this year have a combined capacity of 600MW, about a third of the country’s electricity needs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kariba Dam Water Allocation For Electricity Generation Slashed By 47%

Power Cuts are looming in Zimbabwe after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) reduced water allocation for power generation at Kariba hydropower station by 25% to 30 billion cubic metres (BCM).
This comes after Lake Kariba received less than expected inflows from the upper Zambezi River catchment.
The 30BCM will be shared equally by ZESA and Zambia’s power utility ZESCO.
Munyaradzi Munodawafa, the CEO of ZRA, said flows upstream of the Zambezi River have started falling, affecting inflows into the Kariba Dam. He said:
<blockquote>
With the 2022/23 rainfall season having effectively ended in April, the Kariba catchment is no longer experiencing any rainfall activities.
As per normal trend following the end of a rainfall season, flows of the Zambezi River and its tributaries are now receding and this downward trend is expected to continue until the commencement of the next rainfall season (2023/24 rainfall season).
</blockquote>
In April this year, Munodawafa told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/power-cuts-loom/">Business Times</a> that ZRA would get tougher with ZESA and ZESCO in July to ensure that they do not utilise more than their water allocations. He said:
<blockquote>
… We will not be that strict until the end of the winter agriculture season in July.
After July, we will be tough with ZESA and ZESCO. Next year, it’s likely to be worse.
</blockquote>
Hwange’s units 7 and 8 are expected to generate a combined 600MW, with Government officials saying the coal-fired power plant will be able to handle the base load while Kariba kicks in during peak times.
Units 1-6 at Hwange Power Station are no longer reliable as they almost always break down due to old age and poor maintenance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Load Shedding Set To Intensify In August

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) on Tuesday, 18 July 2023, issued an update on the water situation in the Kariba Catchment and lake levels at the Kariba Dam. Read the update below:
<blockquote>
UPDATE ON WATER LEVELS AT LAKE KARIBA
Lusaka, 18th July 2023 – The Zambezi River Authority (the Authority) hereby updates the public regarding the water situation in the Kariba Catchment and lake levels at the Kariba Dam as the third quarter of the year 2023 progresses.
With the 2022/23 rainfall season having effectively ended in April 2023, the Kariba Catchment is no longer experiencing any rainfall activities.
As per normal trend following the end of a rainfall season, flows of the Zambezi River and its tributaries are now receding and this downward trend is expected to continue until the commencement of the next rainfall season (2023/2024 rainfall season).
ZAMBEZI RIVER FLOWS AS MONITORED AT CHAVUMA GAUGING STATION
The Zambezi River flow recorded at Chavuma on 18th July 2023 was 241 m3/s. The flow recorded on the same date in 2022 was marginally lower at 235 m3/s.
The highest peak reached at this station under the just-ended 2022/2023 rainfall season was 2,614 m3/s recorded on 15th April 2023.
The current recession will continue until the commencement of the upcoming 2023/2024 rainfall season.
ZAMBEZI RIVER FLOWS AS MONITORED AT VICTORIA FALLS GAUGING STATION
The Zambezi River flows recorded at Victoria Falls have also been in recession since the start of June 2023.
The flow recorded on 18th July 2023 was 950 m3/s. The flow recorded on the same date in 2022 was lower at 873 m3/s.
The highest peak reached at this station under the now-ended 2022/2023 rainfall season was 2,718 m3/s recorded on 27th May 2023.
The current recession will continue up to the time the 2023/2024 rainfall season commences.
LAKE LEVELS RECORDED AT KARIBA
The Lake level has risen from being just over the Minimum Operating Level of 475m in January 2023 to over 479 m recorded as the month of June 2023 ended.
More recently, on 18th July 2023, the recorded lake level was 479.87m which translates to 20 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) or 30.87% of usable storage meant for power generation by the two utilities – ZESCO Limited and Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) who operate the Kariba North Bank Power Station and Kariba South Power Station, respectively.
On the same date in 2022, the recorded lake level was 479.94m with 20.33 BCM of usable water or 31.37% live storage.
The current level places the lake at 4.37 meters above the Minimum Operating Level (MOL) of 475.50m.
WATER ALLOCATION FOR POWER GENERATION AT KARIBA
The Authority allocated 40 BCM in September 2022 for the power generation in 2023 at the Kariba Complex to be shared equally between Zimbabwe Power Company-owned Kariba South Bank and ZESCO Ltd-owned Kariba North Bank power stations.
The allocation was informed by projections from the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF)-26 that was held in August 2022 and further reconfirmed by the downscaled positions of the Metrological Agencies of Zambia and Zimbabwe, which both projected that the SADC and Kariba catchment region was to experience Normal to Above Normal for the 2022/23 rainfall season.
The actual performance of the 2022/23 rainfall season for the lower Kariba catchment, however, turned out to be Normal to Below Normal.
Accordingly, through the first quarter hydrological analysis, the Authority reduced the water allocation from 40 BCM to 30 BCM to be shared equally between ZESCO and ZPC at their Kariba Stations.
In this regard, the Authority will keep the public informed accordingly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zambezi River Authority Update On Water Levels At Lake Kariba | Full Statement

ZESA Holdings is managing its water allocation from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) for power generation at Kariba South Bank Hydro Power Plant to ensure that it does not exhaust its share prematurely.
This was said by ZESA consultant (international business) Cletus Nyachowe during <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/hwange-units-1-6-refurb-begins">an interview</a> with State media. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zambezi River Authority, which manages water in Kariba Dam and allocates a certain amount of water to ZPC and ZESCO of Zambia for power generation, has given us the latitude to vary our power output from Kariba on condition that our overall water condition is maintained within its set limits.
Another point you may want to note is that when you see us generating between 800MW and 892MW at Kariba, that power output is probably on for an hour or less.
During the day, it is regulated up and down as and when required. So, normally that maximum output is only generated during peak demand periods.
We are operating Kariba very carefully and within our water limits.
</blockquote>
In January this year, ZRA announced plans to review the Tripartite Water Purchase Agreement to stiffen penalties against the over-utilisation of Lake Kariba and Zambezi River water.
ZRA Chief Executive, Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the Council of Ministers Resolution needed to be fully implemented to effectively regulate the utilisation of water.
He made the remarks during his visit to the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project site.
In November 2022, ZRA which runs the Kariba Dam <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/severe-load-shedding-looms-as-zra-tells-zesa-to-shut-down-kariba-power-station/">ordered ZPC to cut electricity generation by half owing to low water levels.</a>
ZRA which is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia told ZPC that the dam “no longer has any usable water to continue undertaking power generation operations.”
The directive saw ZESA Holdings implementing a tough load-shedding regime that saw consumers being plunged into darkness for at least 20 hours per day.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zambezi River Authority Set Limits On Water Usage At Lake Kariba

Zimbabwe’s electricity crisis will not end any time soon after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) this week cut the amount of water allocated to ZESA and ZESCO for power generation at Kariba Dam.
ZESA and Zambia’s power utility ZESCO, equally share water at Kariba Dam for power generation.
ZRA executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/setback-as-zra-cuts-water-allocation-at-kariba/">Business Times</a> that ZESA and ZESCO are now utilising 15 billion cubic metres each from 22.5 billion cubic metres, which was allocated for the year 2022.
Speaking to the publication on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair International Business Conference on Wednesday, Munodawafa said:
<blockquote>
We have cut the water allocation to 15 billion cubic metres each from 22.5 billion metres with immediate effect. 
Last week, we concluded our water allocation reviews and have since written to the power utilities to adhere to the new limits. We are also going to limit their generation load.
</blockquote>
According to Business Times, this is the second worst allocation in the history of ZRA.
The worst allocation was effected in 1995, when ZRA allocated 11 billion cubic metres to the power utilities.
Munodawafa said the reason for the cut is that the region as a whole did not receive normal to above normal as had been forecasted. He said:
<blockquote>
But this did not happen. On the Zimbabwe side, Gwayi River did not register any flow into the lake Kariba. There were, however, some flashes from Sanyati River.
The Angolan catchment which usually supplies more water into Lake Kariba was also below what it used to do.
But what is funny is that the Kafue catchment in Zambia is actually spilling.
However, we will not be that strict until the end of the winter agriculture season in July.
After July, we will be tough with ZESA and ZESCO. Next year, it’s likely to be worse.
</blockquote>
The water cuts come as ZESA this week said it has been engaging ZRA for “more water allocation”.
ZESA general manager, stakeholder relations, communications and welfare, George Manyaya said told Business Times they haven’t received the letter yet from ZRA on the latest water allocation cut.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRA Cuts Kariba Dam Water Allocation For Electricity Generation

The government of Zimbabwe and Zambia have directed the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) to mediate in negotiations for a clear borderline between the two countries on Lake Kariba’s waters.
The <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200010155/zra-to-mediate-in-zim-zambia-border-impasse">Zimbabwe Independent</a> reported that the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the 300-kilometer-long Lake Kariba is not clearly demarcated in many places.
Lake Kariba was built during the federation era when modern Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi were treated by colonialists as one entity.
Since the official dissolution of the federation on 31 December 1963, there has been no clear boundary on Lake Kariba between Zimbabwe and Zambia, formerly Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia, respectively.
As a result, fishermen and other citizens have been arrested for the alleged transgression by both sides.
Heavy penalties have also been given to fishermen, most of whom would be working without the intention to illegally cross the border.
Last week, during a tour of the Zambezi Basin, officials confirmed that ZRA would mediate talks over the Lake Kariba border issue.
Speaking during the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) experiential tour of Lake Kariba in Siavonga, Zambia, ZRA chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa, said:
<blockquote>
In some of our activities, ZRA has been asked by authorities in Zimbabwe and Zambia to assist in identifying borderlines between the two countries.
We are working with the two countries’ surveyors’ general offices in re-affirming the borders along Lake Kariba so that they resolve disputes associated with each other’s citizens who are arrested along the dam.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s surveyor general Edwin Guvaza said the two countries have agreed to physically mark the boundary along Lake Kariba to make the boundary more clear. Guvaza said:
<blockquote>
The working relationship between the two sister countries is cordial as far as the reaffirmation exercise of the common boundary is concerned and the medium filum of the Zambezi River is the boundary between the two countries, except along segments where we do have islands featuring along the river, especially around the Victoria Falls segment and along Lake Kariba.
In that regard, we have agreed with our counterparts to physically mark the boundary along Lake Kariba to make the boundary conspicuous, by establishing floating buoys fixed along the boundary. This will enhance fishing activities along the Lake in both countries, to guide fishermen as they carry out their activities on the lake.
As it stands, it is difficult for the fishermen to identify where the boundary is, hence territorial encroachments are bound to happen.
</blockquote>
Kariba Dam was built between 1955 and 1959, with later work adding turbine rooms to generate electricity.
It was completed during the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe, Zambia Appoint Mediator To Resolve Border Impasse

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam is now close to completion.
The Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project is funded by the African Development Bank, and the European Union with counterpart funding by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The rehabilitation of the reservoir has two work components – the plunge pool reshaping and the spillway refurbishment.
<a href="https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/04/06/kariba-dam-rehab-progresses/">Lusaka Times</a> reported ZRA chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa as saying reshaping works are at 74 percent completion with a disbursement ratio of 75 percent.
He said the coffer dam has been completed, about a 36-metre depth of the plunge pool has been dewatered and the preparatory works for the fault zone strengthening measures have started. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
To date, the project has realised several significant milestones which have gradually drawn it much closer to completion, despite the numerous challenges and setbacks that have been encountered since commencement.
Significant progress has accrued in implementation of the spillway rehabilitation work, with key milestones achieved todate being the successful installation of the coffer dams in sluices six, three, two and one.
The expected date of completion of the spillway refurbishment works is February 2025,
</blockquote>
Lake Kariba has been in operation since 1960 and has been meeting the water needs of the two power utility companies – ZESCO in Zambia and ZESA in Zimbabwe – for power generation.
However, the safety of the dam faced the threat of being compromised by two major deficiencies relating to the plunge pool and the spillway, according to Munodawafa.
He said the plunge pool has progressively deepened on account of the forces of the spilling water jets.
Munodawafa said the abrasion within the plunge pool, to its current depth of about 80 metres has been accompanied by preferential erosion towards the dam foundation. This can result in catastrophic dam failure.
Moreover, the spillway facility has been affected by an alkali-aggregate reaction, a concrete swelling phenomenon that causes operational challenges for the hydromechanical parts of the facility.
One of the consultants engaged by ZRA, Mott MacDonald, said that a catastrophic failure of the dam would result in the loss of over three million lives in the downstream riparian communities.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lake Kariba Rehabilitation Nears Completion - ZRA

The power supply situation in the country is expected to improve in the next few months as usable water for power generation in Lake Kariba increases, an official has said.
According to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the water level in the lake has been rising steadily, from 475.61 metres, or 0.83% of live storage water available for power generation, at the beginning of the year, to 477.90 metres on 13 March 2023, which translates to 16.70% usable storage.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) commercial services director Engineer Gift Ndlovu said power generation at Kariba has improved to an average of 350MW, up from 250MW early this year.
Speaking in a recent engagement with members of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
In the short to medium term, the power supply situation is bright because there has been improved dam water levels.
By May or June, it will be able to give us some comfort of around 425MW, increasing from the current production.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/power-supplies-set-to-improve">The Sunday Mail</a>, significant inflows into Kariba usually start being recorded between April and June.

Rising Kariba Water Level To Boost Power Production - ZESA

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has increased the generation limit on the Kariba power stations from 300MW to 350MW each.
Zimbabwe’s ZESA Holdings operates the Kariba South hydroelectric power station, while Zambia’s ZESCO operates the Kariba North hydroelectric power station.
ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/kariba-generation-limit-inches-up/">The Herald</a> that if power utilities do not exceed their generation limits, there would be room for increased power production. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
The power utilities (ZESA and Zambia’s ZESCO) should generate 700MW between them. I know in Zimbabwe there is winter wheat production.
If the levels of production are maintained up to the end of March, then there shouldn’t be any problems with the allocation for the winter wheat crop production.
</blockquote>
He said Kariba Dam was expected to have received between 40 and 44 billion cubic metres by the end of the season in June.
This will allow ZESA and ZESCO to operate at their base production level of 1 200MW.

Kariba Hydroelectric Power Stations Increase Power Generation To 700MW

The Kariba Lake levels have been rising steadily due to an increase in local rainfall activity on and around the lake.
The Zambezi River flows at Victoria Falls are steadily increasing, as the rainy season progresses, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said.
As of 16 January 2023, ZRA said Kariba Lake level was 475.83m (2.34% usable storage), compared to 478.45m (20.58% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year.
Towards the end of 2022, ZRA advised Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities to drastically cut electricity generation to due critically low dam levels.
ZRA carries out Zambezi River measurements at eight stations which include Victoria Falls, one of the key stations on the Zambezi River. Some of the other stations are Chavuma, Nana’s Farm, and Ngonye.
On 16 January 2023, ZRA gave an update on the river flows along the Zambezi catchment. Flows at selected stations were as follows:
<blockquote>
<h2>1. CHAVUMA</h2>
Zambezi River flows at Chavuma have been increasing steadily as the rainy season progresses, closing the period under review at 684m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow recorded last year on the same date was 526m3/s.
<h2>2. NANA’S FARM</h2>
The Zambezi River flows at Nana’s Farm, located some 33km upstream of Victoria Falls (typically the same reach) are steadily increasing, closing the period under review at 579m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow observed on the same date last year was 585m3/s.
<h2>3. NGONYE</h2>
Flows at Ngonye are rising due to localised rainfall activity, recording 672m3/s at the end of the review period on 13th January 2023. The flow recorded last year on the same date was 592m3/s.
<h2>4. VICTORIA FALLS</h2>
The Zambezi River flows at Victoria Falls are steadily increasing, as the rain season progresses, closing the period under review at 579m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow observed on the same date last year was 585m3/s.
</blockquote>

Kariba Lake Levels Rise, Zambezi River Flows Increase

ZESA Holdings and its Zambian sister power utility, the Zambia Electricity Supply Commission ZESCO, will be allocated more water by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) to increase their electricity generation next month.
For now, ZESA and ZESCO will maintain the combined average generation output at the Kariba hydro-power plant at 500MW.
This was said by ZRA chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa after Zambian Ministers and senior Government officials toured part of the Kariba complex on Wednesday, 11 January. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
The two utilities (ZESCO Limited and ZPC) will maintain combined average generation output at Kariba at 500MW, that is, 250MW ZESCO and 250MW ZPC to the end of January 2023 after which they could increase to 400MW per power station as the flows of the mainstream Zambezi River further increase during both the months of February and March and into the second quarter of the year 2023.
</blockquote>
Munodawafa said the over-utilisation of water by utilities and poor performance of Kariba’s lower catchment rivers led to low water levels being recorded during the last quarter of the year 2022.
He said as of 11 January, the Kariba Lake level was at 475.78 (0.28m above the Minimum Operating Level-MOL of 475.5m). Added Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
Flows in the mainstream Zambezi River are expected to continue increasing going into February 2023.
Lake levels increasing and are projected to significantly increase by April 2023 in line with peak flows of mainstream Zambezi River.
The upper catchment of the Zambezi River is recording increased water levels.
</blockquote>
ZRA is a joint venture corporation owned by the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia responsible for the management of the Zambezi River waters and the Kariba Dam complex.
The Kariba Dam complex comprises the dam wall and water storage reservoir and other associated ancillary facilities such as lake levels and river in-flows monitoring equipment.

ZRA To Release More Water For Kariba Power Generation

The Kariba Lake has started to increase in the past few days and was at 475.78m (2.00% usable storage) on Wednesday, 11 January 2022.
According to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), a corporation jointly and equally owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, which manages the man-made lake, the increase is attributable to reduced generation and an increase in local rainfall activity on and around the lake. ZRA said in an update:
<blockquote>
The Lake level has started increasing in the past few days due to reduced generation and partly an increase in Local rainfall activity on and around the lake, closing the period under review at 475.78m (2.00% usable storage) on 11th January 2023, compared to 478.33m (19.73% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year.
</blockquote>
ZRA reiterated that Kariba Lake is designed to operate between levels 475.50m and 488.50m (with 0.70m freeboard) for hydropower generation.
On Sunday Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema toured the lake. Speaking after the tour, Hichilema said he will engage his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the use and management of the Hydroelectricity power plant at Kariba Dam. He said:
<blockquote>
My counterpart [Mnangagwa] on the other side may have a view slightly different from mine. That’s okay, that’s fine. But I believe he too will be concerned; I will be speaking to him tonight [Sunday] or tomorrow [Monday].
For the Zambezi River Authority, we need to engage now in a formal meeting between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the relevant stakeholders, we will ask our foreign ministers to call for a meeting so that we can have a family conversation away from the media.
[The meeting will be] mainly to work together, not to polarise each other. We want the best for Zimbabwe, and I believe Zimbabwe wants what’s best for Zambia.
</blockquote>

Kariba Lake Level In Slight Increase - ZRA

Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema said that he will engage his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the use and management of the Hydroelectricity power plant at Kariba Dam.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are experiencing debilitating power cuts due to reduced electricity generation because of the low water in the dam.
Speaking after his tour of the dam on Sunday, Hichilema suggested that poor engagements between the two countries were partly to blame. He said in a tweet:
<blockquote>
Many factors have contributed to our current state of low electricity generation but most importantly, systems and information sharing, including optimal use of this shared resource are being largely ignored. We will engage all stakeholders about this.
</blockquote>
Speaking after the tour addressing power generation stakeholders in Siavonga, Zambia, the other side of Kariba, Hichilema said:
<blockquote>
My counterpart [Mnangagwa] on the other side may have a view slightly different from mine. That’s okay, that’s fine. But I believe he too will be concerned; I will be speaking to him tonight [Sunday] or tomorrow [Monday].
For the Zambezi River Authority, we need to engage now in a formal meeting between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the relevant stakeholders, we will ask our foreign ministers to call for a meeting so that we can have a family conversation away from the media.
[The meeting will be] mainly to work together, not to polarise each other. We want the best for Zimbabwe, and I believe Zimbabwe wants what’s best for Zambia.
</blockquote>
Lake Kariba is managed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), a corporation jointly and equally owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
ZRA falls under the management of the ministers of energy and finance from both countries.
ZRA’s chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa told Hichilema that Zambia’s power utility, ZESCO, followed the 2022 programme on power generation, but Zimbabwe’s ZESA did not <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/zambia-to-engage-zimbabwe-over-use-of-hydro-plant-at-kariba-dam-20230109">reported News24</a>.
He bemoaned the fact that ZRA does not have access to inlets where the power generation is done, hence it cannot stop ZESCO or ZESA from using the river to generate electricity beyond their allocations.
Zimbabwe operates the Kariba South Bank Power Station, which has an installed capacity of 1 050MW, while Zambia operates the Kariba North Bank Power Station which has an installed capacity of 1 080MW.

Hichilema Says He Will Engage Mnangagwa Over Use Of Kariba Hydro-power Plant

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has commented on purported pictures of the Kariba Dam that have been circulating on social media platforms. ZRA said in a statement;
<blockquote>
The Zambezi River Authority (the Authority) has noted with concern, photographs of the plunge pool that have been circulated on social media with erroneous captions alleging that it is the current state of the world’s largest man-made water body by volume, Lake Kariba.
Please be advised that there is a difference between Lake Kariba, which is the large water reservoir on the upstream side of the Kariba Dam wall (the concrete structure) and the plunge pool, which is an 80m deep pool on the immediate downstream side of the Kariba Dam.
This pool was drilled down to this level by water pressure during spilling when flood gates are opened. Simply put, the plunge pool is NOT Lake Kariba.
</blockquote>
Razel Bec of France was contracted by ZRA to rehabilitate the plunge pool, with the project running from 2017 to 2025. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
It is also worth mentioning that the Authority, through its Contractor, Razel Bec of France, has been working on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) since 2017.
This is a $294-million-dollar project aimed at restoring the safety and structural integrity of the Kariba Dam so as to increase its lifespan and enable it efficiently to serve the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

Zambezi River Authority Responds To Social Media Images Of "Lake Kariba"

The water level in Lake Kariba has increased slightly over the past few days due to increased rainfall activity on and around the dam in the past few days, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said.
According to ZRA’s weekly updates on Lake Kariba levels, as of 5 January 2023, the reservoir was at 475.68m (1.32% usable storage) compared to 478.25m (19.17% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year. ZRA said:
<blockquote>
The Lake level that has been decreasing has now started showing some increasing trend in the past few days due to an increase in local rainfall activity on and around the lake.
The period under review closed at 475.68m (1.32% usable storage or live storage) on 5th January 2023, compared to 478.25m (19.17% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year.
</blockquote>
ZRA added that the Kariba Lake is designed to operate between levels 475.50m and 488.50m (with 0.70m freeboard) for hydropower generation.
Due to low water levels in the lake, ZRA ordered ZESA and ZESCO, Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities respectively, to reduce electricity generation last year.
Zimbabwe operates the Kariba South Bank Power Station, which has an installed capacity of 1 050MW, while Zambia operates the Kariba North Bank Power Station which has an installed capacity of 1 080MW.
On 4 January 2023, Zambia’s State-owned power utility ZESCO Limited increased hours of load shedding to twelve (12) hours daily due to low water levels in the lake.
ZESA was also forced to reduce power generation at Kariba South Power Station towards the end of 2022 due to dwindling water levels, and as of 5 January 2023, the power plant was generating a meagre 260MW.

Kariba Lake Level Showing Increasing Trend - ZRA

Zambia will start load shedding from 15 December in response to a huge drop in water levels in Lake Kariba, which supply water for power generation.
Peter Kapala, Zambia’s energy minister, on Friday, told Parliament that water in the lake has dropped to 4.1 percent of usable storage for the Kariba North Bank Power Station in Zambia and the Kariba South Bank on the Zimbabwean side of the lake. He said:
<blockquote>
The low water level situation in Lake Kariba threatens the power generation from both the Kariba North Bank Hydropower station and Kariba South Bank Hydropower station.
… We anticipate that this will translate into a load management regime starting on the 15th of December, 2022 of up to six hours daily.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Zambia jointly own the Kariba Dam and it is the main source of electricity generation for both countries.
To avoid a complete shutdown of the two power stations, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has told Zimbabwe to cut generation to a maximum of 300 megawatts and Zambia to a maximum of 800 megawatts, said Kapala.
The Kariba North Bank Power Station in Zambia has an installed capacity of 1080 megawatts while the Kariba South Bank Power station in Zimbabwe has a capacity of 1050 megawatts.
Zimbabwe is already experiencing power cuts lasting for more than 15 hours per day in most parts of the country. | <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/2/zambia-plans-power-cuts-dulow-levels">Al Jazeera</a>

Zambia To Commence Electricity Load Shedding On 15 December

Zimbabweans will likely experience longer hours of load shedding as power generation at Kariba Hydro Power Station will be suspended for the remainder of the year due to low water levels at Kariba Dam.
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) chief executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa revealed that the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, used more water than it had been allocated, necessitating the closure of the power plant until at least January 2023 to allow the dam to replenish.
Kariba Hydro Power Station is Zimbabwe’s only reliable power plant, as Hwange Thermal Power Station constantly breaks down due to ageing equipment while the other smaller thermal power plants are constantly affected by shortages of coal.
A letter dated 25 November 2022 addressed to the Zimbabwe Power Company by Munodawafa advising the company to shut down the Kariba South Bank Power Station, reads:
<blockquote>
<h2>EXHAUSTION OF 2022 WATER ALLOCATION AND NEED FOR SHUTDOWN OF KARIBA SOUTH BANK POWER STATION TO AVERT RISK OF TOTAL SHUTDOWN OF POWER GENERATION OPERATIONS AT KARIBA</h2>
We refer to the above subject matter as well as to the current Water Purchase Agreement between the Zambezi River Authority, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC)/Kariba Hydro Power Company (Private) Limited (KHPC) and ZESCO Limited. Further reference is made to the High Level Joint Technical Committee Meetings of 10th and 25 November 2022 held between the parties to the Water Purchase Agreement for Kariba.
Please be advised that as of 25th November 2022, Kariba South Bank Power Station had utilised 23.89 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water, accounting for 1.39 BCM (or 6.16%) above the 2022 water allocation of 22.50 BCM.
Given that the Kariba Reservoir usable storage currently stands at a paltry 2.98 BCM or 4.60% full, and that ZESCO Limited still has a positive balance of 2.44BCM (10.82%) as of 25th November 2022, ZPC/KHPC no longer has any usable water to continue undertaking power generation operations at Kariba South Bank Power Station.
With the current performance of the 2022/2023 rainfall season in the Kariba Lower Catchment where the river flows are yet to improve and the associated inflows from the Upper Kariba Catchment which will only influence any potential increase in the Lake Level at Kariba during the later part of the first quarter of 2023, it is highly unlikely that there will be any reasonable inflow augmentation in the remaining period of the year 2022, giving little or no chance of improvement in the reservoir storage levels during the remaining period of the year 2022 and going into the first quarter of the year 2023.
If the current water utilisation above allocation at Kariba South Bank Power Station continues, the remaining water for power generation at Kariba (live storage) will be out by mid-December 2022 or much earlier.
Guided by the Water Purchase Agreement and the provisions of the ZRA Acts and as the agreed Reservoir Operational Framework under the Joint Technical Committee (JTC), where the Authority and the two Kariba Power Generation Utilities are obligated and have agreed to sustainably operate the reservoir, the Zambezi River Authority is left with no choice but to firmly guide that ZPC/KHPC immediately ensures that generation activities at the South Bank Power Station are wholly suspended henceforth, until January 2023 when a further review of the substantive Hydrological Outlook at Kariba will be undertaken which will include consideration of the total reservoir live storage build-up which would have resulted from a shutdown of the Kariba South Bank Power Station power generation operations.
</blockquote>

Severe Load Shedding Looms As ZRA Tells ZESA To Shut Down Kariba Power Station

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) says reduced water levels in Lake Kariba will allow the uninterrupted rehabilitation of the reservoir.
Water levels at the dam have dropped by more than 70 per cent over the 2021 levels and are trending towards record lows.
ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project is progressing well as reshaping of the plunge pool and refurbishment of the flood gates is best done when levels are low.
He added that the low water levels ensured that there would not be any need to open the spillway gates which would jeopardise the ongoing works. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
It is worth noting that the water levels currently obtaining at Kariba are favourable to the smooth implementation of the rehabilitation works.
In this regard, the Authority will continue to closely monitor and optimise the water allocation for power generation operations to ensure uninterrupted implementation of the KDRP works together with the power generation operations while avoiding the need for spilling which has the potential to halt the works.
</blockquote>
Levels have receded to 6,04 billion cubic metres (BCM), dropping to within one and a half metres of usable water as of November 1.
On the same day in 2021, the reservoir had 20,47BCM which was 4,47 metres above the minimum operating level and 8 metres below the maximum level.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope as water flows on the Zambezi River are beginning to increase at Chavuma and Victoria Falls gauging stations. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
… the catchment around Chavuma has now recorded some rainfall activity leading to a slight increase in the recorded flow.
The recorded flow on 1st November 2022 increased to 63m3/s. On 1st November 2021, the flows were slightly higher at 95 m3/s.
</blockquote>
The impact of the flows on water levels in the Lake will only begin to be felt in the first quarter of 2023 because it takes two months for the flows to reach the lake. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/water-levels-drop-boon-for-kariba-rehab/">The Herald</a>

Water Levels Drop Good For Kariba Dam Rehabilitation - ZRA

The water levels at Lake Kariba are falling toward record lows, threatening hydroelectricity production for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
According to data released by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the dam had 10.9% of usable storage this week, compared with 34.1% a year ago.
Water levels are close to those reached in the 1995/96 season, the lowest recorded since the 128-meter (420 feet) high dam was completed in 1959, reported <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/southern-africa-s-biggest-man-made-dam-drains-toward-record-low-1.1838709">Bloomberg</a>.
<h2>Water Level Falling Faster</h2>
Kariba Dam water is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia and is managed by the Zambezi River Authority, an agency jointly controlled by the two nation’s governments.
Both Zimbabwe and Zambia have built extra hydropower turbines at Kariba in the past decade, which release more water downstream.
In an emailed response to questions sent by Bloomberg, ZRA said it has taken measures to ensure that water doesn’t completely run out. It said:
<blockquote>
Appropriate measures to prevent a complete depletion of the scarce water in the Kariba reservoir have been taken with the power utilities.
Considering the rainfall forecast for the forthcoming season of normal-to-above-normal, the authority has optimized the water allocation for 2023.
</blockquote>
Kariba has a generation capacity of 2130 megawatts shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, which are separated by the Zambezi.
The low water level may worsen Zimbabwe’s power challenges as Kariba Hydro, which is currently providing 750 megawatts, is the country’s only reliable power plant.

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