Source: Kariba water levels strengthen power generation outlook – herald
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
Lake Kariba is in a much stronger position than it was at the same time last year, providing a solid foundation to sustain this year’s revised 36 billion cubic metres water allocation for electricity generation by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The positive outlook is contained in the latest hydrological update released this week by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the joint body responsible for managing the shared reservoir.
According to the Authority, the lake reached its seasonal peak of 482.21 metres above sea level on June 27, with 48.55 percent live storage, before entering its normal dry-season drawdown. By July 21, the water level had eased marginally to 482.07 metres, with live storage at 47.47 percent, equivalent to 30.76 billion cubic metres of usable water.
The improvement is significant compared to the corresponding period last year, when the reservoir held just 23.90 percent live storage. The lake is currently 3.16 metres higher than it was on the same date in 2025, reflecting strong inflows received during the 2025/26 rainy season.
ZRA acting chief executive engineer, Christopher Chisense, said the Upper Zambezi Catchment recorded normal rainfall, while the Lower Catchment experienced normal to above-normal rainfall, resulting in above-average inflows into the reservoir.
He said the improved hydrological conditions were sufficient to sustain the 2026 combined water allocation of 36 billion cubic metres for power generation, shared equally between Zimbabwe and Zambia at 18 billion cubic metres each.
As expected during the dry season, river flows feeding the lake have continued to recede. At Chavuma, inflows declined from 362 cubic metres per second on June 30 to 253 cubic metres per second by July 21, while flows at Victoria Falls dropped from 1,549 cubic metres per second to 980 cubic metres per second over the same period.
Although current river flows are slightly below those recorded last year, the Authority said the decline is seasonal and does not undermine the strong water position created by abundant rainfall earlier this year.
The ZRA projects the lake level to ease further to around 482.02 metres above sea level and 47.08 percent live storage by July 25, remaining well above last year’s levels.
Engineer Chisense said the Authority would continue monitoring hydrological and climatic conditions across the Zambezi Basin and provide regular updates.
Kariba Dam, one of the world’s largest man-made reservoirs, is the backbone of hydroelectric power generation for both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Its water levels are closely monitored as a key indicator of electricity generation capacity and regional energy security.
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