ZAMBEZI RIVER AUTHORITY
2026
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The Authority’s Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) consists of monthly, quarterly and bi-annual sampling of the Zambezi River and its tributaries. The focus of the programme is on monitoring water quality and water weeds.
Water quality data collection and processing activities are carried out for all stations on Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River. Physico-chemical and bacteriological monitoring is undertakenin-situ and at the Authority’s Environmental Laboratory. The water quality parameters monitored include Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Alkalinity, Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Substances, Turbidity, Total and Ortho Phosphorus, Chlorophyll, Ammonia, Alkalinity and Faecal Coliforms. Water quality parameters are monitored against specified quality standards in the Water Quality Guidelines that were developed by Zambezi River Authority and respective stakeholders
Weed monitoring on Lake Kariba is done through physical and biological monitoring as well as using satellite imagery. The spatial variabilityof water quality parameters and weed spread in the Lake is assessed by the use of the Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing.
The establishment of the Environmental Monitoring Programme Working Group (EMP-WG)was conceived following the conclusion of the Donor supported Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP). The Concluding Workshop that endedSida support to the ZRA EMP was held on 16th – 17th December 2002 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
In proposing the establishment of the EMP–WG, the Workshop Participants (Stakeholders) took cognizance of the achievements that were made on the objectives of the EMP in respect of:
The EMP–WG, comprising institutions from Zambia and Zimbabwe, was established through theMemorandum of Understanding (MoU), as agreed by the Parties. The Stakeholders agreed to collaborate, through the EMP-WG, in spearheading the implementation of issues of common interest in the management of Lake Kariba andthe Zambezi River bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.The EMP-WG is a platform for information exchange, advocacy for the enforcement of existing water quality guidelines and provision of technical input to all future environmental initiatives in the Kariba Catchmen