HCB to increase discharge

Maputo, 12 Aug (AIM) – Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), the company that operates the Cahora Bassa dam on the Zambezi River, on 11 August warned that it will increase the discharge from the dam’s floodgates from 1 September. According to a release from Mozambique’s Central Regional Water Board (ARA-Centro), the move will result in an increase of the waters discharged into the Zambezi to 2,100 cubic meters a second.

The move is in preparation for the 2021/22 rainy season and will take place between October and early December during which one floodgate will be fully opened and the amount of water discharged will eventually increase from 2,100 to 3,400 cubic metres a second.

The move is to ensure full control of the water level in the reservoir behind the dam and also to safeguard operational preparedness and capacity at the dam in case of flooding.

As result of the operation, the river level will increase along the lower Zambezi, affecting the districts of Tambara in Manica; Tete city, Moatize, Doa and Mutarara in Tete province; Chemba, Caia and Marromeu in Sofala; and Mopeia, Luabo, Chinde in Zambezia. However, this is not expected to cause any significant impact. Nonetheless, ARA-Centro calls on the district governments, public and private bodies, businesses and the public to take precautionary measures, abandon flood prone areas, and avoid crossing the river.
(AIM)