Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
WATER inflows into Lake Kariba are expected to increase significantly beginning April this year, a development that is expected to boost power generation at Kariba South Power Station.
In recent weeks, water levels have been steadily increasing owing to the current rains.
In a statement on Thursday, Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) chief executive officer Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said significant inflows are expected between April and June.
“The Authority highlights that whereas the Kariba Catchment has generally received the predicted rainfall amounts, it is noteworthy that a significant increase in the Kariba Dam water level will only start being recorded between April to June 2023, which is the period during which the waters from the Barotse Floodplains greatly influence water levels at Lake Kariba,” he said.
Despite the reasonably good rainy season, he added, water allocation to Kariba’s two power utilities will not be increased in the short-term.
“Commendably, both power utilities have adhered to the guidance from the Authority; that is, capping average generation at each of their respective power stations at 250MW in December 2022 and as recently reviewed upwards to the 350MW cap obtaining currently.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter