
THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has successfully conducted a critical “test on completion” of the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP).
“This controlled leakage test involved the discharge of 1 500m³ of water, which was trapped within the sluice itself (not part of the lake water volume),” ZRA said.
KDRP is a massive undertaking aimed at ensuring the continued structural integrity of Kariba Dam wall.
The project comprises three key components — plunge pool reshaping, spillway refurbishment and institutional strengthening.
The spillway refurbishment component involves replacing the secondary concrete around the stoplog guides, installing new built-in parts and groove guides, and manufacturing and installing a bigger gantry crane and emergency gate.
The project is co-financed by the European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank, Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency and the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments, with a total budget of approximately €270 million.