An Energy Expert says the increase in water allocation for electricity generation in Zambia as announced by the Zambezi River Authority will translate into low hours of load shedding.
Yotam Mtayachalo told Money FM News in an interview that this is an indication that the country’s power utility firm Zesco will increase generation capacity, because everyone has been complaining about low water levels in Kariba Dam.
Mr. Mtayachalo said it is gratifying to note that there is an increase in the water levels because the load shedding the country is currently experiencing has greatly affected economic activities.
“I think its good news that we have seen an increase in the water levels, so that will mean that it will translate into low hours of load shedding, which I think is a step in the right direction.”
“Of course the load shedding has greatly affected economic activities in the country. So we hope that with the increasing water levels, we expect that industries will increase production,” Mr. Mtayachalo said.
He reaffirmed the need for government to invest in other forms of energy so that the country does not only rely on hydro power.
“It’s quite unfortunate that the country has to undergo such situations and I hope that in future, I think we must ensure that we prepare adequately and ensure that we invest in other forms of energy so that we don’t just rely on hydro power,” he emphasized.
On Thursday this week, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) announced that it has increased water allocation for electricity generation in Zimbabwe and Zambia following improved water inflows into Kariba Dam.
ZRA Chief Executive Officer Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said in a statement that water levels at Kariba Hydro Power Station was increased by four billion cubic meters after a review of the hydrological outlook.