Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering bilateral and regional unity in the management of the critical water resources, which are shared between Zambia and its neighboring countries.

Mr Chikote says Zambia will continue to abide and adhere to the national treaties that were entered between Zambia and Zimbabwe in the management of the Zambezi River because they are essential to the economic growth of the two countries.

Mr Chikote was speaking in Livingstone today during the 44th Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting between Zambia and Zimbabwe held at Protea Hotel.

He said the Council of Ministers Meeting recognizes the critical role the two countries play in advancing shared aspirations for energy security and socio-economic development for the two contracting states.

Mr Chikote who has assumed the Chairmanship of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers added that the discussions and resolutions arising from the meeting will shape the trajectory of initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Kariba Dam, optimising hydropower generation and fostering innovation through renewable energy projects.


And Zimbabwe Minister of Energy and Power Development Edgar Moyo disclosed that this year, a total water allocation of Sixteen Billion cubic meters was shared equally between Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) and Zimbabwe Supply Company for power generation.


Mr Moyo added that the allocation was based on hydrological forecasts predicting below-normal rainfall stating that though under pressure to meet the demand, there is a need to exercise discipline in the utilization of the water allocated to utilities by Zambezi River Authority.