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Siltation
This is mainly caused by environmental degradation.
This problem is managed currently by periodic flushing
(scouring) of the reservoir silt deposits.
Limitations:
- Can only flush active channel. Flushing also disturbs
irrigation operation downstream and affects Majete
reserve wildlife preservation and hence cannot be
done frequently
- Requires power station shutdown and hence affects
power capacity leading to load shedding
Dredging
Dredging would assist to remove silt even in non –active
areas and would also complement shortfalls mentioned above
with flushing. Procurement of new dredger has been planned
and financing is being identified.
Long term solution is to address environment degradation
issues.
Weed
Aquatic weed from upstream of Liwonde Barrage –
this is being managed by weed harvesting operations
at Liwonde Barrage. However, there is need to improve
capacity of existing equipment at Liwonde by installing
a proper weed trapping boom and procuring another weed
harvester. These are in the plans.
Organic material (dead vegetation) transported by rivers
in the rainy season. Usually this has a short period
impact as it happens when it rains heavy.
Inherited Design and Installation Problems
Some equipment and systems had shortfalls in the design
and/or installation. These shortfalls have been causing
unexpected failures since commissioning thereby reducing
plant availability and reliability. Several modifications
of systems and equipment have been made over the years
to improve performance of the plant.
Misconceptions and Wrong Expectations of Local
Communities
Local communities perceive ESCOM establishment as Government
and expect ESCOM to provide free services like electricity,
water, medical services, transport etc. Making communities
understand that ESCOM is basically a commercial entity
and is not there to provide these services for free
has been quite difficult and continues to be an issue
of grumbling by these communities.
These communities like farming along river banks especially
those downstream of the power plant and during floods
when Kapichira releases the flood water naturally this
floods their gardens and they push blame to Kapichira
operations as if they never had floods before the Power
Plant.
Engagement and organized site visits by local village
heads has improved understanding of Kapichira operations
and this has gradually eliminating the wrong perceptions.
Wildlife
Kapichira Power Station is on the edge of Majete Game
reserve and ESCOM is expected to support preservation
of wildlife and environment. However, it has never been
easy to have Kapichira ESCOM community all embrace this
commitment. Through continuously discussing and reminding
staff of ESCOM, obligations to support efforts by Majete
Game Reserve tremendous progress has been made. |
