Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
The Zambezi River Authority has successfully completed leakage tests on all six floodgates (sluice) under the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP).
This is the final phase of commissioning of the floodgates, a key project to secure and extend the life of the Kariba Dam, which plays a major role in the generation of electricity for Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) has three components, including spillway refurbishment, plunge pool reshaping and institutional strengthening.
Tests have shown leakages of below 10 percent, deemed a milestone in engineering and pointing to an elevated structural integrity status.
ZRA planning officer Engineer Munesushe Mudzi confirmed the successful opening of Sluice Gate 6.
“We have done this since April 2, when we started with Sluice Gate 1 and sequentially to the last one today,” said Eng Mudzi.
“All these have been successful and the leakage tests that we have done were below 10 percent, which is a significant achievement, and it’s a milestone that we need to celebrate. Everything is working according to plan.”
The tests, he said, were part of engineering controls to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the Dam.
At least 1500 cubic metres of water, enough to power a generator for 3 seconds and 9000 cubic metres of water used for leakage tests on all six gates, representing 18 seconds of power generation on a generator.
In a statement, ZRA chief executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project was critical in securing the dam for future generations.
“The successful completion of this final test confirms that all six refurbished sluices are now fully functional — a critical milestone in strengthening the dam’s integrity and ensuring the long-term safety, resilience, and reliability of this vital regional power source,” he said.
“With this final test, the Authority proudly celebrates another historic step forward in securing the Kariba Dam for generations to come.”
