By Admore Mbonda | Kariba
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has reported a worrying drop in Kariba Dam water levels, reversing the gains made during the winter months.
The decline is linked to reduced inflows from the upper Zambezi catchment and increased evaporation as the region heats up.
While the dam’s current levels remain within operational limits, experts warn that continued decline could threaten hydropower generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia—countries heavily reliant on the dam for electricity.
“If this decline continues, we may face challenges in meeting the electricity needs of both countries,” a ZRA spokesperson said.
As temperatures rise and demand for cooling systems grows, power usage is expected to spike. Engineers caution that if levels continue to fall, load shedding and economic disruption may follow.
Urgent Action Needed
Local engineers are urging authorities to:
Optimize water usage
Diversify energy sources
Raise awareness in upstream communities about water conservation
“We need to start planning now to avoid any power supply disruptions later in the year,” said one engineer.
The ZRA is also promoting conservation efforts in the upper catchment areas, emphasizing community involvement and regional cooperation.
With the rainy season still months away, stakeholders across both nations are encouraged to adopt energy-saving and water-efficient practices.
The situation highlights the region’s overreliance on a single power source, reinforcing calls for renewable energy diversification to safeguard the electricity supply against climate-related risks.
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