By Elesani Phiri
Energy Consultant Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda is urging authorities to closely monitor water levels at Kariba Dam and accelerate power projects already in the pipeline to cushion the impact of reduced hydroelectric generation.
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The Zambezi River Authority has revealed that water levels in the Kariba Reservoir stood at 478.31 metres as of Monday, August 31, 2026, down from 481.49 metres recorded during the same period in 2025.
Reacting to this development, Dr. Chikwanda says the continued decline could place additional pressure on Zambia’s electricity supply, particularly if the levels remain low for an extended period and affect the availability of water for hydroelectric power generation.
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He has told Phoenix News that while the decline is part of the normal seasonal pattern, with water levels falling during the dry months, the El Niño could further accelerate the decline through increased temperatures and evaporation.
Dr. Chikwanda adds that lower water levels could reduce water available for generation at the Kariba Complex, potentially limiting hydroelectric power output and increasing pressure on other sources of electricity.
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