Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has adjusted downwards by 10 percent the water allocation for power generation at Kariba Dam to ZESCO Limited and Zimbabwe Power Company for 2015 due to the below normal rainfall received in the 2014/2015 season.
Based on the rainfall forecasts, the Zambezi River Authority allocated to the two electricity generation companies 45 billion cubic meters for power generation for the year 2015.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka today, ZRA Board Directors Chairperson who is also Mines, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Emelda Chola says the below normal rainfall has resulted in lower than projected rainfall runoff in the Zambezi basin leading to lower Zambezi river flows and subsequent low inflows into Lake Kariba.
Brigadier General Chola says the recorded flows are below the historical average.
She says this has necessitated a review of the water available for power generation at Kariba.
General Chola explains that to ensure continued power generation beyond the onset of the 2015/2016 rainfall season,the allocation for power generation in 2015 has been adjusted downwards by 10 percent.
She says both ZESCO and Zimbabwe Power Company have already been informed of this adjustment in water available for power generation so that they can adjust their operations accordingly.