Kariba Dam Levels Continue to Fall

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Kariba Dam’s water levels are on a steady decline due to reduced inflows from the upper Zambezi River catchment and increased evaporation as the region enters the hotter months.

According to the Zambezi River Authority, the lake’s water level closed at 478.77 meters on August 5, 2024, representing 22.88% of usable storage capacity. While this reflects an improvement from 10.35% recorded during the same period last year, the current level remains below optimal.

The decline in water levels could affect power generation capacity, particularly as electricity demand rises during the hotter months. “ZRA engineers have cautioned that continued drops could force generation adjustments,” the Authority said.

The trend underscores ongoing challenges around water availability and the long-term sustainability of hydropower generation.

Lake Kariba, designed to operate between 475.50 meters and 488.50 meters, remains within its operational range.

However, the ZRA noted that “the decline in lake levels is attributed to reduced inflows from the upper Zambezi River catchment, combined with increased evaporation as the region transitions into the hotter months.”

Experts warn the decline could have implications for electricity output.

As of August 25, 2025, the lake level stood at 478.45 meters, representing 20.58% usable storage capacity, compared to 476.78 meters (8.84% usable storage) on the same date last year.

The current level is still within the operational range, but the decline is expected to continue until the onset of the rainy season. “Such fluctuations are typical during the dry season,” the ZRA said.