Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
Heavy rains being received across the country have resulted in an increase in water levels in Lake Kariba, which is now close to three percent full after rising to 475,87metres.
The lake has risen from 2,34 percent full on 24 December last year to 2,61 percent full on Monday, raising hopes for improved power generation.
In the latest weekly update on Lake Kariba, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) stated that the lake level is steadily increasing due to sustained rainfall over the reservoir and the immediate catchment area.
Water levels on the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba were significantly lower last year due to the effects of climate change and El Nino-induced drought. The sudden rise is expected to impact not only electricity generation but also tourism.
The Zambezi River is Africa’s fourth-longest river, originating in the Zambian mountains, flowing into Angola, returning to Zambia and then passing through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before emptying into the Indian Ocean.
The lake is critical for electricity generation in Zimbabwe, Zambia and the wider region.
“The lake level is steadily increasing due to sustained rainfall on the reservoir and immediate catchment area, closing the period under review at 475,87m, which is 2,61 percent usable storage on January 6, 2025, compared to 477,28m, or 12,32 percent usable storage, recorded on the same date last year,” said ZRA.
The water level on the lake was 475,83m on December 24, last year, decreasing to 475,77m on January 1. However, inflows began to make a difference, with the level rising to 475,78m on January 2 and reaching 475,87m, or 2,61 percent full, on Monday.
Usable live storage has risen to 1,69 billion cubic metres (BCM), which is 13 metres above the minimum operating level of 475,50m, compared to 7,98 BCM last year. Dead storage remains at 116 BCM.
Live storage refers to water available for electricity generation, while dead storage is water that cannot be used for power generation. At full supply level, the lake stores 181 BCM of water.
The ZRA added: “Please note that Kariba Lake is designed to operate between levels of 475,50m and 488,50m, with a 0,70m freeboard for hydropower generation.”
According to the ZRA, on December 30 the lake level was 475,78m with two percent live storage and usable live storage of 1,29 BCM. Levels had been declining due to low inflow from major tributaries discharging directly into the reservoir and the mainstream Zambezi River. Rainfall directly over the lake and its immediate catchment area has also contributed to rising levels.
The rains have brought renewed hope to all sectors, including energy, agriculture, livestock and water supply as crops, pastures and water availability improve steadily.
The Meteorological Services Department says most parts of the country will experience heavy rains this season, with downpours exceeding 50mm within 24 hours. Internal dam levels have also recorded significant increases in water levels. —@ncubeleon
