Latest news with #Munodawafa
Business Insider
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Zambia and Zimbabwe renew push for $5 billion hydro dam project
Zambia and Zimbabwe are stepping up efforts to attract investment for the long-stalled $5 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project by reviving a controversial proposal to source water from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving efforts to attract investment for the Batoka Gorge hydropower project. They are aiming to engage investors for the proposed 2,400-megawatt plant in the next 12 to 18 months. The project originally faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in securing financing. Zambia and Zimbabwe are stepping up efforts to attract investment for the long-stalled $5 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project by reviving a controversial proposal to source water from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Zambezi River Authority, a joint agency between the two nations responsible for managing the Kariba Dam, has assembled a dedicated team to engage investors for the proposed 2,400-megawatt plant, according to CEO Munyaradzi Munodawafa. 'The resource mobilization effort is targeting a time frame of 12 to 18 months, subject to investor confidence, market conditions, and ongoing bilateral support from the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe,' Munodawafa. Construction of the Batoka Gorge hydropower project was originally slated to begin in 2020 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in securing financing, Bloomberg reported. In a major shake-up last year, Zambia cancelled a 2019 contract awarded to General Electric Co. and China's Power Construction Corp., citing procurement irregularities. Debt challenges threaten project Zambia and Zimbabwe now aim to select new bidders by September 2025. However, fundraising efforts are complicated by both countries' financial woes: Zimbabwe is grappling with $21 billion in debt, while Zambia remains in default and is still negotiating a debt restructuring deal, five years after missing its loan payments. To strengthen the Kariba Dam's capacity and address the growing threat of erratic rainfall linked to climate change, Zambia and Zimbabwe are considering a bold plan: diverting up to 16 billion cubic meters (4.3 trillion gallons) of water annually from the Congo River. The move could help stabilize inflows into Lake Kariba — the world's largest man-made reservoir — but it comes with major hurdles, such as the steep energy requirements for pumping water uphill and the difficult terrain.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials release update on dire situation at world's largest man-made lake: 'This trend is projected to continue'
Officials provided a desperately needed positive update on the world's largest human-made lake, Lake Kariba, and the nearby Zambezi River. Bulawayo24 News reported the lake and the river are returning to healthier water levels following the carnage of a devastating drought fueled by El Niño. Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) chief executive engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the levels "have been gradually rising," which was "primarily attributed to intensified rainfall activity on and around the lake." Between January 13 and February 2, flows at Chavuma Gauging Station doubled. The improvements might accelerate if more runoff occurs when the ground becomes oversaturated. This is welcome news, as the low water levels at Lake Kariba in 2024 came with a slew of destructive consequences for local residents. The AP reported much of Zambia faced an electricity crisis for months as the hydroelectric power generated by the Kariba Dam was unable to function. Only one of six turbines was able to operate, leaving power generation at a mere 10% of normal levels. Considering 80% of Zambia's power comes from the dam, that had a hugely detrimental impact on the economy. Making matters worse, the drought hit agriculture in Southern Africa, increasing hunger and starvation concerns. The African Wildlife Foundation said the havoc wreaked by El Niño on the continent should "remind us of the interconnectedness of our global climate system and the urgent need for coordinated action." These developments drive home the reality that while Africa contributes little to the climate crisis, it disproportionately bears the consequences. This is also apparent in the rise of mosquito-borne illnesses on the continent spurred by a shifting climate. Meanwhile, there is a concerning lack of investment. The UN revealed that the continent receives just 1% of global climate funding while losing up to 5% of production amid rising temperatures. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For residents relying on Lake Kariba, water levels remain lower than at the same point in 2024. Still, Munodawafa sounded an encouraging note for the future, indicating that things are moving in the right direction for more water availability and recovery for the region. "This trend is projected to continue as we approach the end of the first quarter of 2025," he said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
