Kariba Dam rehabilitation project nears completion, 94% done
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
The US$294 million Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project KDRP is 94% complete and is on track for full completion by the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Zambezi River Authority ZRA Chief Executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa. The project, funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, the World Bank, Sweden, and the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia, addresses age-related issues in the dam's spillway after 60 years of operation. Engineers are now focusing on a two-phase technical overhaul of the spillway, specifically installing hoisting systems for sluices 1, 2, 5, and 6. This is crucial because a natural concrete expansion, known as alkali-aggregate reaction, had made it difficult to operate the dam鈥檚 six massive sluice gates. The ZRA states that these works are essential to prevent uncontrolled water releases, which could lead to devastating downstream flooding and damage to vital infrastructure. A significant milestone was achieved in September 2024 with the completion of the Plunge Pool Reshaping, which protects the dam鈥檚 foundations from erosion. The rehabilitation aims to ensure the long-term stability of the Kariba Reservoir.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
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