Published: 11 August 2025

The Kariba Dam rehabilitation project has made significant strides following the successful completion of a controlled leakage test on Sluice 5, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) announced.

This latest milestone comes after similar successful tests were conducted on sluices 1, 2, 3, and 4, leaving only Gate 6 pending completion.

"The leakage test is a routine but critical engineering procedure, confirming that the newly-refurbished gate is functioning precisely as designed. It marks another important step forward in the delivery of the project, which is operating on a fixed timeline," said the ZRA in a statement.

Conducted last Wednesday, the test involved the controlled release of approximately 1,500 cubic metres of water in a carefully managed operation, ensuring safety and precision.

The project encompasses the refurbishment of the dam's spillway, the construction of a cofferdam, and the stabilization of the plunge pool - key elements essential to maintaining the structural integrity and long-term durability of the dam.

Co-financed by the European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank, Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency, and the governments of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the rehabilitation is critical for the continued operation of the Kariba Dam.

The dam remains a vital source of hydroelectric power for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, underpinning regional energy security and economic development.

With the project approaching completion, the ZRA expressed optimism about the dam's ongoing contribution to power supply and prosperity across the region.
- newsdy

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