Name and Location
Kariba dam rehabilitation project, Zambia.
Client
Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), a joint venture between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union, Sweden and the World Bank.
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 the uncontrolled loss of water in the event of floodgate failure, which will result in water levels dropping to 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. 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 ZRA.
Duration
The Kariba dam faces collapse if not repaired in three years.
Latest Developments
Zambia and Zimbabwe plan to start repairs to Kariba dam in the first quarter of next year without affecting hydropower supply in either country, which is generated from the reservoir, a senior World Bank official has said.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
AfDB (loan finance).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
ZRA, tel +260 1 228401, fax +260 1 227498 or email zaraho@coppernet.zm.
AfDB senior power engineer Elizabeth Muguti, email e.muguti@afdb.org.