Zimbabwe/Mozambique Electricity Deal Could Shut Down Kariba Hyro Plant

The proposal comes as the Mozambique power utility, Hydro Cahorra Bassa is saying that its water source is already overflowing as a result of Tropical Cyclone Idai. Any further discharge of water from Zambezi River would, therefore, result in the Cahorra Bassa dam forced to open flood gates which is detrimental to villagers residing downstream.

If the deal goes through, Zimbabwe will be closing its Kariba South hydro plant. As a way of compensation, Zimbabwe would want to be compensated with cheap power from Cahora Bassa, which has the capacity to produce 2,075MW.

Zimbabwe has an acute electricity deficit which has resulted in the local power utility, ZESA, implementing a power cut schedule which deprives citizens of power for 17 hours daily.