Canadian assistance to southern African utilities to improve operational hydrology

Various hydroelectric power projects in southern African countries that have benefited from Canadian expertise and assistance under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) AAA.3.4 Hydroelectric Hydrological Assistance Project, were described. The project aims to upgrade the operational hydrology units of the SADC hydroelectric utilities in the Zambezi River Basin, focusing particularly on improving the quality, availability, accessibility and utility of the hydrometric data used for inflow forecasting and inventory purposes. The data is also used for planning and operations. A current usage is to assess the sustainability of the systems implemented under the program. BC Hydro, and the Water Survey of Canada are the principal Canadian agencies involved in providing the technical expertise. Increased confidence in inflow forecasts, increased energy production, reduced loss of water due to unnecessary spilling, improved ability to safely route floods, and to cope with droughts, and improved data for design and dam safety studies are just some of the benefits derived from this example of Canadian technical assistance in the developing countries. 12 refs., 6 tabs., 4 figs