Why in News?
The Kariba Dam, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is in the news because of a marginal rise in water levels as of 30 March 2026 and the planned start of a 600 MW floating solar project in Q2 2026.
Key Information
- Type & Location: A double-curvature concrete arch dam standing 128 metres high, spanning the Zambezi River at Kariba Gorge.
- Lake Kariba: The reservoir created by the dam is the world's largest man-made lake by volume, holding approximately 180–185 billion cubic metres of water when full.
- Power Generation: It is a critical source of electricity for both nations, with an installed capacity of approximately 2,130 MW (1,050 MW on the Zimbabwean South Bank and 1,080 MW on the Zambian North Bank).
Rehabilitation Project
- Focus: Reshaping the plunge pool to prevent foundation erosion and refurbishing six spillway gates to ensure safe operation.
- Status: Plunge pool works were 100% completed in late 2024; spillway works are currently at roughly 82% completion as of recent reports.
Environmental & Economic Impact
- Ecology: Support for a major commercial fishing industry (notably Kapenta) and a diverse ecosystem including crocodiles, hippos, and tigers.
- Tourism: A premier hub for houseboats, wildlife safaris, and bird-watching in Southern Africa.
Challenges
- The dam faces threats from climate change leading to prolonged droughts, as well as alkali-aggregate reaction (concrete expansion) in the aging structure that necessitates the ongoing repairs.
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