Higher water levels at Kariba compared to 2023

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The water level at Kariba Dam, the world’s largest man-made dam that generates hydroelectric power for millions of people in Zimbabwe and Zambia, is rising, giving hope for improved electricity supply in the first quarter of 2024.

“The Lake level is RISING, due to increased rainfall activity on the lake and immediate catchment, closing the period under review at 477.25m (12.11% usable storage) on 2nd January 2024, compared to 475.63m (0.97% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year,” the Zambezi River Authority has said.

On December 28 last month, the Zambezi River Authority said Lake Kariba’s water level had fallen below 1 percent of capacity compared with 20 percent a year earlier.

At full capacity Kariba Dam generates 1 080 MW of electricity for Zambia and 1 050MW for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe currently is only getting about 275MW from Kariba and the country has a daily shortage of around 1 000MW.

Improved supplies from Kariba added to Hwange’s 765MW would go a long way in improving the situation and reducing hours of load shedding for all areas.