Kariba water levels drop to new low

The Zambezi River Authority recently reported that water levels remain significantly lower compared to this time last year, with a notable decrease of 2.61 meters when comparing current lake levels to those of the same period in 2023.

In a statement, Sithembinkosi Mhlanga, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Zambezi River Authority, reassured the public that the authority will persist in closely monitoring the hydrological situation and Kariba catchment’s performance, ensuring constant vigilance and timely interventions.

The Zambezi River’s flow rate at Chavuma has decreased to 130m3/s, a slight drop from last year’s 159m3/s. Meanwhile, the flow rate at Victoria Falls has dropped by 32.55% compared to last year, primarily due to drought conditions. As a result, lake levels are declining due to reduced upstream inflows, with the current level standing at 476.95m above sea level. This corresponds to a usable live storage capacity of 10.01%, which is available for power generation.

Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Kariba Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and a vital source of hydroelectric power generation. However, it has been experiencing a significant decline in water levels, particularly in 2022, due to severe droughts and increasing water demands.

Reporter: Makhosethu Ndlovu