Environmental Reporter
The Zambezi River Authority has reported a concerning decline in water levels at Kariba Lake. The current lake level is at 476.14 meters, which marks a significant decrease from 478.07 meters recorded last year.
Impact on Usable Storage
The situation is further exacerbated by a dramatic reduction in usable live storage volume, which has plummeted from 17.90% in 2023 to just 4.46%. This reduction translates to a decrease in water volume from 11.59 billion cubic meters (BCM) to 2.89 BCM.
Implications
This decline in water levels poses serious implications for power generation and water supply for both Zimbabwe and Zambia, as the dam is a critical resource for hydroelectric power and irrigation. The ongoing low inflow raises concerns about the sustainability of water resources in the region, especially as both countries rely heavily on the dam for their energy needs.
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