The Zambezi River Authority says the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam is on course.
Authority Contract Engineer with the ZRA Sudden Mukuwe said earlier challenges that delayed the project have been overcome, including construction of an access road to carry a 130-tonne crane into the Zambezi River.
“The access road delayed the project. The initial proposed route had decomposing rock so we had to change,” said Mukuwe.
The safety of the dam wall is key in ensuring continued production of energy.
Should the wall collapse, thousands of people downstream will be in danger of floods.
The joint mission on the Kariba Dam rehabilitation held a meeting in Siavonga to deliberate on the project and see how it can be speedily implemented.
The meeting was one of several periodic review processes to assess implementation of the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam Wall Project.
The rehabilitation project is being funded by the European Union (EU), World Bank, African Development Bank (AFDB) and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
A sum of US$294 million has been invested to ensure the safety of the dam wall which was reportedly in danger of collapsing.
A plunge pool reshaping and construction of a Coffer dam are the two main projects being undertaken.
Funding partners expressed concern over delays and the slow pace in the implementation of the project, highlighting that Kariba is of international interest given its strategic economic position in the region.
“Two years into implementation of the project, there are some worrying delays. We will see what can be done to speedily implement it,” said EU Team Leader Adam Grodzicki.
“The project brings opportunities for everyone to work together in this complex infrastructure,” said World Bank Team Leader William Rex.
“It was treated as an emergency project and we really don’t want the emergency to occur,” said AFDB’s Elizabeth Muguti.
thats cool….no need hearing that zambia has failed to pay
You can even see from the size of crane and the tuma pontoon that they have chopped the money. the crane can’t even reach the top of the wall. Zambians chabe. God have mercy. palibe chabwino apo.
Highly unlikely with European Union (EU), World Bank and African Development Bank (AFDB) involved …this govt couldn’t come up with $294 million but has money to spend on 80 million Private Jets and 42×42 firetrucks …..all this will have to paid back by consumers via ZESCO tariffs
“Authority Contract Engineer with the ZRA Sudden Mukuwe said earlier challenges that delayed the project have been overcome, including construction of an access road to carry a 130-tonne crane into the Zambezi River.”
Surely let’s be serious with outlining delays ….how can access of a crane be a delay issue, I mean this is something you incorporate at planning phase. How were you initially going to move machinery and concrete without it?
With development comes danger to the community. Wish they had left us alone with our huts and nature. Then we wouldn’t know the animal called IMF and others.