The Khuga Dam-A Case Study (original) (raw)
Related papers
2007
The Kafue Gorge hydroelectric power plant provides more than 50% of Zambia's electricity needs. Due to an increase in electricity demand not enough water was available. Consequently, a second storage reservoir-the Itezhi-tezhi Dam-was constructed 270 km upstream from the Kafue Gorge. The two dams enclose the Kafue Flats which are very important from an ecological as well as from a socio-economical point of view. Due to the two dams the water flow regime of the Kafue River has changed with consequences for many species of the Flats and for local people which are traditionally making a living by fishing and grazing livestock. WWF intervened and worked in partnership with the Zambian authorities and ZESCO to mimic the natural flood patterns and to restore freshwater and floodplain ecosystems. This has been approached by a sophisticated hydrological model of the Kafue Flats simulating current, future and natural flows as well as water levels. Another problem beside the changed flood regime is the many people coming in search for work. As a result, certain areas of the Flats are suffering from increasing human pressure (WWF, 2003). The aim of this paper is to analyze the impacts of the two dams from a social, economical and ecological point of view and to show what improvements can be made in the future by imitating natural floods. In this context the Numerical performance evaluation method (PER) is applied to visualize the degree of problem solving that can be attributed to the international management effort of WWF (Bernauer et al.). Resulting PER analysis for two different sets of variables amounted for 41% and 79% success ratio. The difference shows the wide range of possible outcomes depending on set system boundaries. This paper will also make some statements what is to be expected from a possible change in climate regarding available rain and ultimately water quantities.
Dams in Time of Water Nationalism
CBU International Conference Proceedings
A dam, in most cases is a large, impressive concrete structure. A commanding number of large dams exist with over 45000 estimated in the world. It is important to understand such a concrete structure not only from a technical perspective, but also from the view of local community in the region of the dam. Also, it is important to know the international impact of a dam on a river basin and the measures necessary for implementing a dam, as well as the positive and negative effects of dam construction itself. Preliminary measures aim to characterize a river regarding natural, geological, geographical patterns, human geographical distribution, and food production. Prospective trends, such as the need for augmented water volumes for a water-fed agriculture, industrialization, energy, and river transportation, can influence decisions connected to dam building. Recently, climate change, a phenomenon considered as human-induced, at least partially, and the prospect of a water-stressed world...
The current debate on dams has become dogmatic, sometimes emotional, and counterproductive. There is no single solution which could be valid for a heterogeneous world, in which there is a great variety of climatic, physical, social, economic and environmental conditions, as well as institutional, technical and management capacities. There are also differing institutional and legal frameworks for managing water, and levels of development and available technology. A systematic approach is needed, where the main objectives of water developments are first identified. Solutions should then be case-specific, and these could vary from one location to another, or even at the same location over time.
The material politics of damming water: An introduction
Sustainable Development, 2019
Hydroelectric power is on the rise. Both developed and emerging economies establish hydroelectric dams in order to make use of natural water resources, contribute to electrification, and supply energy to national industries. For their advocates, dams are a silver bullet combining three pillars of sustainable development that are often perceived as being in mutual conflict, namely: economic growth, social welfare and ecological sustainability. Dams are often in line with donors' funding priorities relating to low-carbon energy production and therefore attract major investments by private companies. In short, dam building is seen as a pathway to a bright and promising future, a road to modernity, progress, andto take the most prevalent prescription for a desirable futuresustainable development. At the same time, hydroelectric dam projects are often faced with large-scale protests and political contestation. National public donors and multinational funding agencies such as the World Bank have repeatedly refused or withdrawn their support for megaprojects that may bring with them adverse ecological and social impacts,
Transnational Environmental Law, 2019
This article examines the international legitimacy of unilateral dam development in an international watercourse from the perspective of international water law. Drawing upon technical analysis over the Harirud River Basin, the article discusses probable negative impacts of unilateral dam development in Afghanistan on downstream Iran and Turkmenistan. Competing claims are analyzed to assess emerging transboundary damage under customary international water law. Applying these insights to the case study, this article explores how legal norms and principles can contribute to transboundary water cooperation. It investigates how equitable and reasonable utilization, as required by the United Nations Watercourse Convention, could be reached and whether current activities are in conformity with international norms. Based on this analysis and in the light of international customary law, the article questions the compatibility of unilateral control and capture of water resources in Afghanist...
Dam: Historical perspectives and an overview of India
Dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. Exploitation of rivers with installation of dams on them is very old system experienced worldwide and has been multiplied manifold up to the present. Damming activities started mainly for the purpose of irrigation but later it has become multipurpose projects with facilities of flood control, fishing activities, hydroelectric power generation, domestic and industrial supply of water, tourism etc. Though large dams have multiple beneficiary effects but could not avoid its negative aspects inherent to dam building. Perspectives of dam have been changed both in spatial and temporal context with imposition of technocentrism on nature. The paper is an endeavor to examine the historical perspectives of dam globally and to assess an overview of dam in India from ancient to the recent time.