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ZRA: Water allocation for Kariba electricity generation to remain high in 2021

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) will maintain the current water allocation for electricity generation at the Kariba Dam for the rest of the year, bringing hope that power supplies in Zimbabwe will have some semblance of stability in 2021.

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ZRA, jointly run by Zimbabwe and Zambia, said the 42 billion cubic metres (BCM) allocated to power utilities from both countries on June 25 will remain for the rest of the year.

Before the upward review, Zesco Limited (Zambia) and the Zimbabwe Power Company, were sharing an allocation of 30 BCM equally.

“The 12 million cubic meters (BCM) increase in water allocation announced on 25th June 2021 shared equally between the two power utilities, Zesco Limited and the Zimbabwe Power Company, for their respective power generation at Kariba North Bank Power Station and Kariba South Bank Power Station will be sustained for the rest of the year 2021,” ZRA chief executive officer Edward Kabwe said.

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“The increase has now pushed the 2021 water for power generation allocated to the power utilities at Kariba stations from 30 BCM to 42 BCM.”

ZRA said the allocations were being increased despite the fact that Kariba Dam levels were receding.

The dam levels start going down at this time of the year after the end of the rainfall season. On August 9, Kariba Dam levels were pegged at 482.05m.

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” From the last update made on 7th June when the lake level was 482.82, the lake level has receded by 0.77m,” Kabwe said.

“This has placed the lake level at 6.55 meters above the minimum operating level (MOL) of 475.50m.

“The recorded lake level of 9th August 2021 translates to 30.66 billion cubic meters (BCM) or 47.32% of usable or live storage.

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“Last year on the same date, the Lake level was lower at 480.94m with 25.18 BCM or 38.86% of usable storage, with the lake being only 5.44m above the minimum operating level.”

On Monday, Zimbabwe was generating 1 023 megawatts of electricity from Kariba Dam, according to ZPC.

Meanwhile, Zambezi River flows around Victoria Falls are also receding following the end of the 2020/21 rainfall season.

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“The Zambezi River flows at the world tourist destination, the Victoria Falls, are also receding owing to the close of the 2020/2021 rainfall season, closing the period under review at 627 m3/s recorded on 9th August 2021 which is less than the 9th August 2020 reading of 678 m3/s,” Kabwe said.

” It should be noted that, although the flows observed in the main-stream Zambezi River at both Chavuma and Victoria Falls gauging stations are generally lower this year than last year, inflows into Lake Kariba from its immediate environs (Lower Catchment) were higher this year than last year, which, to a large extent, explains why the lake posted higher levels this year than last year.

“Further, the water management strategies employed by the Authority to maintain sustainable storage through the water allocation system at Kariba are clearly paying off.”

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Reduced flows are expected to persist until the start of the 2021/22 rainfall season.

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National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.

Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on

The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.

Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.

Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.

In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.

Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.

In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.

The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.

Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.

Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.

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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.

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.

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.

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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