Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has reassured the nation that the Kariba Dam is secure, dispelling reports claiming the dam wall has become weak and on the verge of collapsing.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), who are custodians of the dam, has revealed that a US$294 Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Programme is underway as part of maintenance routines.
The project is being bankrolled by the European Union, the African Development Bank, the Swedish Government and the World Bank, with the authority contributing over US$19 million to the works.
Dam Management Services Senior Manager, Engineer Charles Chibvura says the current rehabilitation works at the facility seek to extend its lifespan, dismissing rumours that the dam wall has become weak and insecure.
“lt is the mandate of the authority to ensure that we conduct routine maintenance so that we protect the lives of over 4,5 million people downstream, should an unavoidable catastrophe occur. The scope of work includes the plunge pool reshaping sub-project, which has been completed, the refurbishment of the spillway control facility and institutional strengthening, which was underway. We rely so much on the instruments which collect data and information and we believe that the dam is safe so the risk of us losing this dam is very low and we intend to secure the long-term safety of the bridge as it is a critical facility for the two nations. The rehabilitated projects are expected to be commissioned in 2025,” he said.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo accompanied by the United Nations Country Representative, Mr Edward Kallon toured the dam recently to appreciate the ongoing rehabilitation works.
“I am glad that several partners have come on board to ensure that our dam is strong and secure. My worry, however, concerns our people living within this area especially those who were displaced during the construction phase. We need to also invest in sustainable projects for them particularly investment in infrastructure. We are faced with drought due to the El-Nino and obviously fishing activities are affected. It is my appeal that some of the funds be invested for the community so that they also reduce the pressure of the dam and its resources,” said Hon Chombo.
“The rehabilitation of this facility is critical given the fact that it pumps life to millions through fishing and tourism in the two neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. This is my second visit to this area and I have managed to talk to the farmers who expressed that they were severely affected by the El-Nino-induced drought. Going forward we are looking at investing in the long term to ensure that communities around her survive. As the UN we will continue to source funding for projects but above all, I am impressed that you are also exploring on broadening the energy base so that all the sectors benefit,” noted Mr Kallon.
According to the Zambezi River Authority, the rehabilitation project is expected to increase the longevity of the famous bridge by an extra 60 years.
It also emerged that climate change continues to affect dam levels, reducing water harvested from 45 billion cubic meters in 2023 to 18 billion cubic metres this year.
The Kariba dam produces electricity for Zimbabwe and Zambia and is also a source of livelihood.
