Name and Location
Kariba dam rehabilitation project, Zambia.

Client
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).

Project Description
After 50 years of serving the Southern Africa region, the Kariba dam requires a series of rehabilitation works for its continued safe operation.

Failure to invest in the timely rehabilitation of the dam will result in the gradual degradation of key safety features associated with the structure to a level that is not acceptable in accordance with international standards.

These works include:
• the design, fabrication and installation of an emergency gate and a new gantry to prevent uncontrolled loss of water in the event of floodgate failure, which will result in water levels dropping below the minimum operating levels and interrupting power production;
• the refurbishment of the upstream stop-beam guides and the replacement of secondary concrete to prevent failure during the operation of stop-beams; and
• the reshaping of the plunge pool downstream of the dam to limit scouring and erosion that could potentially undermine the dam foundations, leading to dam failure. The Kariba dam is one of the world’s largest hydro dams, generating more than 1 300 MW of hydropower. The dam’s wall, which is 128 m high, straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe and, should it collapse, flooding from the Zambezi river could affect parts of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique, affecting millions of people.

Value
The cost of the Kariba dam rehabilitation is estimated at $200-million, based on a series of feasibility and design studies completed in July 2012 by consultants appointed by the Zambezi River Authority.

Duration
The Kariba dam faces collapse if not repaired in three years.

Latest Developments
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a proposed loan of $39-million to Zambia, a grant of $12-million from the Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF) and a grant of $24-million from the African Development Fund  Regional Operations envelope to Zimbabwe for the Kariba dam rehabilitation project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
AfDB (loan finance).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Zambezi River Authority, tel +260 1 228401, fax +260 1 227498 or email zaraho@coppernet.zm.
AfDB senior power engineer Elizabeth Muguti, email e.muguti@afdb.org.