- Due to insufficient power production, Zambia and Zimbabwe are forecast for higher load shedding over the coming weeks.
- President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia encouraged people to consider switching to alternative energy sources such as solar and gas
Zambia and Zimbabwe are forecast for higher levels of load shedding over the coming weeks due to insufficient power production owing to the reduction in Lake Kariba.
The two Southern African neighbouring countries rely heavily on the lake for hydroelectricity but have, in months, experienced insufficient supplies amid receding water levels.
A severe drought has worsened the crisis, and the cold winter months have exacerbated demand. Experts have projected higher levels of power cuts through at least early July.
The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) utility has increased power cuts to 12 hours in the capital, Lusaka, and other parts of the country in late May. The rolling power cuts are to continue until at least early July.
Also, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia encouraged people to consider switching to alternative energy sources such as solar and gas during this “challenging period” attributed to El Nino and climate change.
“Through the Ministry of Energy, the government is working tirelessly to mitigate the power outage in critical places such as hospitals, higher learning institutions and small businesses to ensure that they survive,” he said.
Hichilema assured the nation his government had secured funds to pay Maamba Collieries to supply about 300 megawatts as a mitigating factor. Britain will support Zambia in this emergency with US$15 million to construct the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.
As of Tuesday this week, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) was implementing power cuts that have lasted up to 10 hours in some areas.
In addition to low water levels limiting production from the main hydro plant in Kariba, officials also attributed this to repairs at the Hwange power plant and lower imports from neighbouring countries. Ageing equipment at power plants adds to Zimbabwe’s energy woes.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages Kariba Dam, has painted a bleak picture regarding water levels. It disclosed that as of the beginning of June, levels were at 12,82 per cent, down from 29,12 per cent at the same time last year.
The ZRA Chief Executive Officer stated, “Notably, in comparison to the same period last year, the lake level has continued to be lower” Munyaradzi Munodawafa, ZRA is a bilateral organisation jointly and equally owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its primary function is operating, maintaining, monitoring, and regulating the Kariba reservoir’s water level.
With a maximum depth of 97 metres, Kariba lies 1,300 km upstream from the mouth of the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth-longest river, flowing to the Indian Ocean. It is the world’s largest man-made lake. Zambia and Zimbabwe have both declared a state of emergency over the drought.