By OLIVER SAMBOKO
THE water level at the country’s biggest Hydroelectricity scheme, Kariba Dam has increased to 34.5 billion cubic metre from 25.7 BCM same time last year, according to latest data from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
Kariba Dam houses two power stations, the Kariba North Bank operated by Zesco and the Kariba South Bank Power Station run by Zesa of Zimbambwe and accounts for over 38 percent of Zambia’s power generation capacity and more 48 percent for Zimbambwe.
ZRA Chief Executive Officer, Munyaradzi Munodawafa disclosed that the Lake levels have continued to rise reaching a peak of 482.83m on June 4, 2021 and maintained this level for three days before dropping to 482.82 on June 7, 2021, giving a net rise of 1.94m since March 3, 2021.
He said the lake is now at 7.32 meters above the Minimum Operating Level (MOL) of 475.50m, translating to 34.53 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) or 53.28% of live storage adding that last year on the same date, the level was lower at 25.77BCM.
Mr Munodawafa however, maintained that despite the increased water level, it’s expected that the lake level is expected to continue receding throughout the remainder of the 2021 dry season.
He also said that Water Allocation for Power Generation at Kariba Dam will be maintained at 30 billion cubic metres for both power stations and that any adjustments to this allocation will be communicated to the public.
Mr Munodawafa said the River Authority will continue to monitor the hydrological situation of the Kariba Catchment and manage the Kariba Reservoir to ensure continued availability of water for power generation operations.
