The massive US$294 million Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) is moving towards completion, with the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) announcing the project is now 94% done.
In a status update, ZRA Chief Executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa confirmed the multi-year initiative remains on track for full completion by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project is funded by the African Development Bank, the European Union, the World Bank, and Sweden, with counterpart funding from the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments.
Engineers are now zeroing in on a two-phase technical overhaul of the spillway, prompted by age-related issues after 60 years of operation.
A natural concrete expansion known as alkali-aggregate reaction had made it difficult to open and close the dam’s six massive sluice gates.
All custom-manufactured parts arrived last year, and crews are now installing hoisting systems for sluices 1, 2, 5, and 6.
According to the ZRA, the works are essential to prevent uncontrolled water releases, which could trigger devastating downstream flooding and damage vital infrastructure.
A key milestone was already achieved in September 2024 following the completion of the Plunge Pool Reshaping, which prevents the dam’s foundations from being eroded by falling water.
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Once the final phase is completed in late 2026, the rehabilitation will ensure long-term stability for the Kariba Reservoir.
The ZRA - a bilateral body jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia -continues to oversee the site as it enters the final 20 months of the rehabilitation timeline.
