Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe River Authority has reviewed upwards the amount of water allocated for power generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
In a statement, ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa said water allocation for power generation at Kariba would be increased by 12 Billion Cubic Meters.
The allocated amount is to be shared equally between the two power utilities, ZESCO Limited (ZESCO) of Zambia and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).
The ZESCO and ZPC generate electricity at Kariba North Bank Power Station and Kariba South Bank Power Station, respectively.
The increase, according to ZRA, would be for the rest of the year.
“This 12 BCM increase in water allocation, attributable to the normal to above normal rainfall performance, implies that the 2021 water allocation has been revised upwards from 30BCM to 42 BCM to be shared equally between the two power Utilities for their respective power generation operations at Kariba for the year 2021.
“The Authority has made this revision in the water allocation in line with its mandate which includes undertaking quarterly hydrological reviews to inform reservoir operations at Kariba.
“These reviews take into consideration, among other factors, the seasonal rainfall performance. The Authority will continue to undertake these quarterly hydrological reviews and accordingly inform its stakeholders and members of the general public,” Munodawafa said.
The Zambezi River Authority is a Bi-National organization mandated to contribute to the economic, industrial and social development of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe by obtaining the greatest possible benefits from the natural advantages offered by the waters of the Zambezi Riverthrough the most economical and effective means of providing water for generation of electricity and for other purposes which the Contracting States may decide on.
