The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) says the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam is now 94% complete and remains on track to be finished by the end of 2026.
On Wednesday, ZRA Chief Executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa described the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) as critical to safeguarding the long-term safety and operational efficiency of the dam, which has been in use for more than 60 years.
The refurbishment of the dam’s spillway system is a major part of the project. Over the decades, natural processes, including concrete expansion and a chemical reaction known as alkali aggregate reaction, have affected the six sluice gates, making them increasingly difficult to open and close smoothly.
The spillway works are being carried out in two phases. Phase 1 began in May 2019 and is now 99% complete, with GE Hydro France and Freyssinet International handling the works. Phase 2 started in August 2024 and has reached about 70% completion, with Morris and Stub Engineers Joint Venture installing new hoisting systems for sluices No. 1, 2, 5 and 6. Phase 2 is expected to be fully completed by September 2026.
The entire KDRP is valued at roughly US$294 million. Funding is coming from the African Development Bank, the European Union, the Government of Sweden and the World Bank, while the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe are providing counterpart funding.
The project has three components. The first, the reshaping of the plunge pool, was completed and commissioned in September 2024. The second is the spillway refurbishment, which is due to wrap up before the end of 2026. The third component focuses on institutional strengthening to improve dam safety monitoring, technical capacity and governance systems within the Authority.
According to the ZRA, completing the rehabilitation is vital to reduce the risk of uncontrolled water releases that could trigger downstream flooding, damage infrastructure and cause loss of life.
The project also includes the rollout of an Early Warning System designed to improve communication with communities living downstream of the dam.
Once finished, the KDRP will support more sustainable management of the Kariba Reservoir and help ensure reliable hydropower generation for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply