Water levels at the Kariba dam drop by 5 meters

Zambia’s installed power generation capacity now stands at 3,000 megawatts.

Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa says the installed capacity is with the inclusion of the power generated from coal and solar power plants to the hydro generated electricity.

Mr. Nkhuwa states that at its peak most, Zambia is still using 2, 200 megawatts of power which now gives the Country an excess of 700 to 800 megawatts of power.

In an interview with Q-News Mr. Nkhuwa states that from the excess generated power, Zambia is thus currently exporting about 200 megawatts to Congo DR and 20 megawatts to Malawi.

He states that the intention of the Zambian government is to however export more once all relevant  infrastructure is put in place.

And Mr. Nkhuwa has disclosed that, as of two weeks ago, the water levels at the Kariba dam dropped down by 5 meters and that power generation at the power station has been slowed down.

He states that the Country is however generating more electricity from among other power stations,  the Itezhi Tezhi power plant.

The Minister of Energy notes that with the availability of the coal and solar power plants, usage of water at the Kariba dam is therefore being reduced during the day.

He is nevertheless optimistic that with the continued rainfall in the Northern side of Zambia, the Kariba dam will be filled up by the third week of June.