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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has increased water allocation for power generation by a further three billion cubic metres.
ZRA chief executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the upward review followed hydrological simulations which considered current water levels in Lake Kariba and normal to above normal rainfall forecast for the 2021/22 season.
“The Authority’s decision to further increase the 2021 water allocation is premised on the provisions of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Act which provide for the regulation of the Kariba Reservoir in liaison with the two power generation utilities,” said Eng Munodawafa.
“The provisions of the ZRA Act have subsequently been operationalised under a tripartite Water Purchase Agreement (WPA) signed between the two utilities and the Authority.”
After an assessment, ZRA can either review upwards or downwards depending on the variables for sustainable use of the reservoir.
This effectively means ZPC of Zimbabwe and Zesco of Zambia had 22,5BCM each for power generation in 2021.
ZRA had initially allocated 30BCM metres for 2021 which was reviewed upwards by a further 12BCM in June.
ZRA conducts quarterly assessment of the hydrological situation around Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River to inform the amount of water to be used for power generation.
Online Reporter