Economic Effects of the Failure of Kandesha Dam on Local Communities in Mumbwa District, Zambia

Abstract

Despite of undoubtful economic contribution to the nation, sometimes dam causes sufferings due to uncertain breakage. The study investigated the economic effects of the breakage of Kandesha Dam in the far West of Lusaka Business District. It shows that the magnitude and intensity of the impact of dam breaking is dependent on the anthropogenic activities downstream of the dams. The most notable effects of the breaking of Kandesha dam included loss of income (24%), reduced working capitals among community members (14%), due to disturbed business activities resulting from the rampant flooding (12%). Generally, the findings showed diversity of economic effects following the breaking of the dams. The paper recommends regulation of human activities on the immediate downstream in order to minimize the ultimate impact of the dam breaking. Landscape-based assessment of catchment in order to understand the biophysical processes and human activities before siting and constructing dams would potentially reduce the risk of future breaking of dams and, could further immunize several economic losses on both government and community members part.