Kariba Dam water levels down by15%

THE Kariba Dam has recorded its lowest water levels despite frequent rainfall received in most parts of Zambia.

Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) released its latest statistics indicating that the country’s main source of hydro-electricity power was now at 17 per cent compared to the 32 per cent during the same period in 2015.

Earlier statistics released in January indicated that the dam’s water levels dropped to as low as 11 per cent, due to erratic rains received this past rainy season, forcing Zambezi River Authority to reduce water allocation for generation of power to both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

This has also affected hydro-electric production in the country.

The current power crisis has seen the government ordering major mining companies and other large electricity consumers to reduce consumption by up to 25 per cent.

According to local media in Zambia, Sweden is expected to sign a K264 million grant with the Zambian government for the rehabilitation of the Kariba dam that is becoming depleted.

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