The water levels in Lake Kariba, one of Africa’s largest reservoirs, have begun to show signs of recovery following a period of sustained rainfall over the dam and its immediate catchment areas. According to a recent hydrology report released by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the lake level now stands at 475.87 meters, a modest increase from the 475.15 meters recorded on December 16, 2024.
Despite this improvement, current levels remain significantly lower than last year. In January 2024, the lake level was recorded at 477.28 meters, highlighting ongoing challenges for water management in the region.
The rise in water levels has positively influenced the usable live storage for hydropower generation, which has slightly increased to 2.61% as of January 6, 2025, up from 2.41% in mid-December. However, this remains far below the 12.32% recorded during the same period last year, pointing to persistent concerns about energy security for Zambia and Zimbabwe, both of which rely heavily on the Kariba Dam for electricity production.
ZRA officials emphasize that Lake Kariba is engineered to operate safely within levels of 475.50 meters to 488.50 meters, with a required freeboard of 0.70 meters to ensure optimal hydropower generation.
The Zambezi River basin, where Kariba Dam is situated, continues to experience the effects of climate variability, making effective water resource management more critical than ever. While recent rainfall has brought some relief, experts warn that sustainable solutions are necessary to mitigate future water shortages and energy disruptions.
Efforts to diversify energy sources and improve water conservation remain at the forefront of policy discussions. Authorities urge the public and industries to practice responsible water use as more long-term measures are implemented to stabilize the reservoir’s capacity.
Lake Kariba’s recovery will continue to be monitored closely as it plays a pivotal role in supporting the region’s hydropower needs, fisheries, and broader ecological balance.
