Lusaka, 8th July 2022 – The Zambezi River Authority (the Authority) wishes to inform residents of the communities located downstream of the Kariba Dam and the general public, that following the successful completion of the construction of the temporary cofferdam, the Authority working together with the Contractor, Razel Bec, commenced the Kariba Dam Plunge Pool de-watering process on Thursday, 7th July 2022.
The first 10 meters draw-down of the water-level in the plunge pool is expected to be achieved by 15th July, 2022. This is a very significant milestone in respect of the Plunge Pool Reshaping works component of the KDRP, which is financed by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund.
On Thursday, 7th July 2022, the last Stoplogs of the Plunge Pool Cofferdam were successfully installed hence leading to the commencement of the first phase of de-watering. This important exercise, which is a prerequisite to the plunge pool reshaping works is vital and will enable the Contractor to effectively execute the excavation works in dry conditions.
We wish to assure our stakeholders that the water pumping operations on day two of this exercise are progressing well and that the controlled volumes of water being discharged from the plunge pool will not lead to any drastic changes in river levels, as previously communicated during the pre-dewatering sensitization exercises that were conducted in Zambia and Zimbabwe in June 2022. Further, the Authority wishes to assure the general public that as the de-watering exercise continues, operations at the Kariba North Bank and Kariba South Bank Power stations will not in any way be affected by the on-going works.
The Authority will continue to provide timely updates through mass and in-house media platforms during these operations.
About the Zambezi River Authority
The Zambezi River Authority is a Bi-National organization mandated to contribute to the economic, industrial and social development of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe by obtaining the greatest possible benefits from the natural advantages offered by the waters of the Zambezi River (between Zambia and Zimbabwe) through the most economical and effective means of providing water for generation of electricity and for other purposes which the Contracting States may decide upon.