Zambians Face Severe Electricity Shortages Amid Drought

Zambians Face Severe Electricity Shortages Amid Drought

Zambia is grappling with a significant electricity crisis, as a prolonged drought has severely affected the Kariba Dam, which supplies over 80% of the country’s power. With less than half of Zambia’s 20 million people having reliable access to electricity even before this crisis, the situation has worsened, leaving many families struggling to cook meals and children doing homework by candlelight.

The drought, worsened by the El Niño weather pattern, has resulted in critically low water levels at Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake by volume. Only one of the dam’s six turbines is operational, generating less than 10% of its usual output. This has led to the worst blackouts in recent memory, with some regions experiencing days without power.

Business owners are particularly hard hit. Tindor Sikunyongana, who runs a welding business, expressed his frustration, noting that his generator ran out of diesel while he spoke. Despite investing in backup power, the high cost of fuel makes it difficult to maintain operations.

Experts warn that Zambia’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power has left the country vulnerable. Geoffrey Chiyumbe, Vice Chairman of the Energy Committee at the Engineering Institute of Zambia, emphasized the need for a diverse energy mix, incorporating both renewable and non-renewable sources to prevent such crises.

The visible impact of the drought is stark; the Kariba Dam’s wall shows a dry stain where water levels used to be, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Zambians. As the nation navigates this energy crisis, the need for long-term solutions and infrastructure improvements has become increasingly urgent.

Source: Africa News