Hope for power generation, as national dam levels increase
Mako Jerera
Water levels at Africa’s largest man made Lake, Kariba have been steadily rising as the rains increase.
If the trajectory continues, the hydroelectric plant will be operating at full capacity.
Overally, all dams are filling up, in Zimbabwe. According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) local dams stand at 83 percent.
As of 16 January 2023, the Zambezi River Authority said Kariba Lake level was 475.83m (2.34% usable storage), compared to 478.45m (20.58% usable storage) recorded on the same date last year.
Towards the end of 2022, ZRA advised Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities to drastically cut electricity generation to due critically low dam levels.
ZRA carries out Zambezi River measurements at eight stations which these include Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is one of the key stations on the Zambezi River. Some of the other stations are Chavuma, Nana’s Farm, and Ngonye.
On Monday ZRA gave an update on the river flows along the Zambezi catchment.
“1. CHAVUMA
Zambezi River flows at Chavuma have been increasing steadily as the rainy season progresses, closing the period under review at 684m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow recorded last year on the same date was 526m3/s.
“2. NANA’S FARM
The Zambezi River flows at Nana’s Farm, located some 33km upstream of Victoria Falls (typically the same reach) are steadily increasing, closing the period under review at 579m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow observed on the same date last year was 585m3/s.
“3. NGONYE
Flows at Ngonye are rising due to localised rainfall activity, recording 672m3/s at the end of the review period on 13th January 2023. The flow recorded last year on the same date was 592m3/s.
“4. VICTORIA FALLS
The Zambezi River flows at Victoria Falls are steadily increasing, as the rain season progresses, closing the period under review at 579m3/s on 13th January 2023. The flow observed on the same date last year was 585m3/s”.
The improved dam levels translate to improved water security for urban water supply for domestic and industrial use and irrigation.
Several dams such as Kunzvi Dam in Mashonaland East and Gwayi Shangani in Matabeleland North are also being constructed across the country to improve water harvesting.
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