The dam at Nkula Power Station has a total capacity of 3 million cubic meters (m³). As a result of environmental degradation that has affected the Shire River, the dam was filled with silt up to 50% of its capacity. This reduced the dam’s storage capacity, thereby reducing power generation. It also affected the safety of the dam and power generating machines as it could erode and damage the power plants’ underwater components.
Therefore, dredging is being carried out at the dam at Nkula Power Station to reclaim the lost pond capacity, improve power generation and prevent damage of the power plants’ underwater components.
The dredging works started in June 2020 and are expected to take two years. Beyond dredging to reclaim the lost pond capacity, this project will also involve excavation in order to increase the capacity of the pond. The project is being fully funded by EGENCO and will cost over MK5 billion.