WHAT is sad about the current power crisis for the peoples of both Zimbabwe and Zambia is that this problem, manifesting in massive load-shedding, could, to some extent, have been minimised.
Research and study has shown that the current problem, the depletion of water levels has little to do with forces of nature but delays to put into operation interventions to curb the drop of water levels at Kariba Dam.
Despite restrictions on water usage by Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), we are told Zambia’s ZESCO and the Zimbabwe Power Authority (ZESA), continued to generate power far above the 500MW revised threshold, leading to further falling of water levels.
Regular monitoring of water inflows and levels at Kariba and recommendations were apparently ignored.
Stakeholders deliberately chose to ignore the warnings of a representative expert body.
This smacks of gross dereliction of responsibility.
According to revelation in our lead story, the fact that in an 87-day period water capable of generating power for both Zimbabwe and Zambia for a whole year was released smacks of abuse.
The truth is that if we continue on this path of wanton abuse, we, not nature, will dry the dam and eventually have no power at all from Kariba.
The abuse of this important resource and denial of the fact that it can indeed run dry will plunge us into complete darkness.
Water levels will continue to drop if we continue to put undue pressure on the dam.
And recurring droughts as a result of the effects of climate change will not help matters but compound our problem.
What is required, as a matter of urgency, is not fervent prayers for rains but proper management of the Kariba Dam waters.
There are alternative sources of energy that can ease the pressure on the Kariba Dam.
We boast more than 320 days of sunlight per year.
What are we doing with the sunlight?
Perennial sunlight means that we have vast potential of solar energy.
Our institutions and industries can run on solar energy.
As it stands, dependence on Kariba Dam means we have put all our eggs in one basket.
We have also vast reserves of coal that can last us the next 400 years.
Why not place emphasis on expanding thermal power stations as an alternative?
We also have vast reserves of gas yet to be exploited.
There is no other option but to seek and invest more in alternative sources of energy.
Zimbabwe can argue that it has not abused the Kariba Dam and that it cannot be fingered over the issue of over-generation because our economy has over the years been shrinking instead of growing due to Western imposed sanctions.
But that is soon to change.
Zimbabwe, in the near future, will require huge amounts of power.
The fruition of the Chinese mega-deals worth more than US$4 billion will be hinged on an efficient power generation.
Demand for power will soon increase as the economy takes off.
The fact is we will require more power for efficient and sustainable development.
Both Zimbabwe and Zambia have to seek and invest in alternative sources of power lest they dry the Kariba Dam.
We shouldn’t run Kariba dry.