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Water levels plummet: Kariba Dam down to 6.79%, power generation at risk

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Kariba Dam, a critical source of hydroelectric power for Zambia and Zimbabwe, is on the brink of collapse in energy generation due to historically low water levels.

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The dam’s usable water storage has plummeted to an alarming 6.79%, the lowest level since the 1990s.

In a statement on the current hydrological outlook at Kariba Dam, the authority said water levels continued to recede due to reduced inflows from the upstream section of the Zambezi River following the close of the 2023/2024 rainfall season.

As of today (September 27), the water level at Kariba Dam was recorded at 476.48 meters, which is 6.79% of the usable storage, while the Zambezi River flows at Chavuma and Victoria Falls have also continued to recede, with the flow rate at Victoria Falls recorded at 238m3/s on the same day.

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However, the crisis has far-reaching consequences for the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe, who are already struggling with power outages and electricity shortages.

The reduced water levels at Kariba Dam have resulted in a significant decrease in power generation, exacerbating the existing energy crisis.

Communities are feeling the pinch as businesses and homes are affected by frequent power cuts, disrupting economic activities and daily life.

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To mitigate this, ZRA says it will allocate 27BCM of water for 2025 power generation at Kariba Dam, split equally between the two countries.

Hydrological simulations factored in normal to above-normal rainfall forecasts for the SADC region.

 

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National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA 

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

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According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

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Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

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Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

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ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

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ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

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Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

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Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.

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