The Ministry of Mines and minerals development expects the current electricity challenge to affect the mining industry. Ministry Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda tells Money FM in an interview that the Copperbelt Energy Corporation that taps electricity from Zesco to supply to mining companies will be affected by the expected inadequate supply of electricity.
Mr. Chanda however could not indicate the possible impact saying his ministry will be conducting an assessment to determine the extent of the electricity deficit.
Water levels in the Kariba Dam has continued falling and is now getting close to a record low reached in 1995, when the country had one of its worst droughts.
This is according to the Zambezi River Authority which manages the shared resource between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The low level of water in the dam is as a result of low rainfall experienced last season.
Zesco has also encountered a breakdown of Unit 1 at Maamba Collieries Limited Power Station that was feeding into the national electricity grid.