Zimbabweans should brace up for more power cuts as the power utility’s water allocation from Kariba dam will be reduced by 50 percent in January leaving Kariba Power Station generating at least 235 mega watts out of an installed capacity of 750 mega watts.
This was revealed by the Minister of Energy and Power Development Dr Samuel Undenge at the interactive meeting organised by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).
Dr Undenge says reduced allocation of water at Kariba Power Station will translate to reduced power generation further by 50 percent from the current generating capacity.
“Water allocation will be reduced by 50 percent in January which means we need to find ways of mitigating against load-shedding by finding quick wins,” said Dr Undenge.
Zambian deputy ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Humphrey Mwenya Mushili says his country is in the same predicament that Zimbabwe has found itself in, adding more power is directed towards productive sectors of the economy.
“We are in the same problem but we have made sure that more power is given to the industries and mining but the problems will be with us for a long time, hence we need a collective effort,” Mr Mushili said.
ZNCC executive member Engineer Lovemore Mukono says the alternative of using diesel power plants will affect exports owing to price competitiveness on the international market.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are facing acute power shortages owing to receding water levels at Kariba dam forcing countries to generate 275 mega watts daily instead of the installed capacity.
Further reduction of water allocation will plunge the two countries into darkness if no immediate solutions are proffered.
