Facelift for Kariba Dam
FOR some time, there were whispers that the Kariba dam wall, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, would collapse.
Such a catastrophe, if it ever happened, would wreak havoc on human and animal life in both nations, as Kariba Dam is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.
Some of the concerns over the dam were due to the ageing structure (the dam was constructed in the 1950s), chemical reactions, seepage and cracks on the wall.
However, safety and longevity of the wall have been guaranteed through an ongoing US$300 million project to rehabilitate the hydroelectric dam.
The project is funded by the European Union (EU), the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Swedish International Development and Co-operation Agency.
Engineers working on the project believe once complete, rehabilitation works will prolong the dam’s lifespan for at least 60 years.
Energy and Power Development permanent secretary Dr Gloria Magombo said the facelift will not only extend the lifespan of the infrastructure, but also enhance power generation and boost economic activity.
“This not only promises a brighter future for the people of both countries but also enhanced economic growth and prosperity. The project will ensure long-term safety and reliability for sustainable supply of water for agriculture, tourism and hydro-power generation, among other sectors.
“The increased electricity supply will not only illuminate homes but also power industries, schools and hospitals, driving progress and improving the quality of life for all. It will also contribute to the contracting States’ energy security and socio-economic development as espoused in the national energy policies and development plans of both our countries,” Dr Magombo said.
The latest rehabilitation efforts are expected to strengthen the plunge pool and the spillway, fortifying the dam’s resilience from bursting and guaranteeing safety of the people downstream.
Zimbabwe and Zambia jointly oversee the water levels and the Kariba dam wall, under the Zimbabwe River Authority (ZRA). ZRA director for projects and dam management services Eng Sithembinkosi Mhlanga said the plunge pool will be reshaped to dissipate energy from the water that spills, thereby reducing the energy on impact and bedrock erosion, which could undermine the dam foundation and cause structural failure.
He added: “The works on the plunge pool comprise excavation of the rock around the pool’s walls.
“The 80-metre-long plunge pool is a hole that was dug by spilling water, and, during the works, we will put concrete to strengthen the bedrock affected by the spilling water.”
ZRA is working with engineers from different countries around the world.
Head of the European Union mission in Zambia and Comesa Ms Karolina Stasiak said the plunge pool reshaping is currently 80 percent complete, while spillway rehabilitation is 67 percent done.
EU’s chief diplomat to Zimbabwe Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said the Kariba Dam expansion was a vital project.
“Kariba Dam has been pivotal for both Zimbabwe and Zambia for decades. It has harnessed the power of the Zambezi, providing electricity, irrigation and sustenance to countless communities.
“For Zimbabwe alone, this dam can potentially deliver over 1 000MW, which correspond to two thirds of the electricity production in Zimbabwe,” he said.