Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
THE Zambezi River Authority has successfully conducted leakage tests of Sluice 3 signaling the final phases of the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP).
Similar tests on the remaining three floodgates (Sluice) are expected to continue throughout the course of the year.
Engineers released at least 1500 cubic meters of water before closing the stop log to check if water would immediately stop flowing as expected.
The exercise mimicked what would happen in the event of the floodgates being opened when the reservoir is full or when a flood is anticipated.
ZRA planning officer Engineer Munesushe Mudzi said the tests were a success.
“We have managed to do the tests, that is to check for leakages that we have on the stop logs of the works that we have been doing,” said Eng Mudzi.
“It has been successful. Everything is working according to plan and we are delighted to inform the public that we are on track regarding the project (KDRP).”
The KDRP comprised two components, including the reshaping of the plunge pool, where water falling from the floodgates drops and the refurbishment of the floodgates.
Eng Mudzi said it was important to carry out the tests to check the quality of the works being undertaken.
Peter Tanyanyiwa