TU Delft students are working on improving water management at the Kariba Dam
With support from the KIVI Study and Travel Fund, six Master’s students in Civil Engineering at Delft University of Technology are working on improving forecasts of water inflows to the Kariba Reservoir in Zambia. They have shared an initial update from the field: several water level sensors have been installed, and a visit to the Dutch embassy has resulted in new contacts.
How much water will flow into the Kariba Reservoir in the coming period? For the dam’s operators, this is vital information for determining when to retain water or, conversely, to release it. However, at present, only limited information is available on this inflow. Quinten Scholten, Koen Hammink, Wout Kragten, Mees Rapp, Daniël Seisener and Jasper de Ruiter aim to contribute to this with their project.
From water level measurements to better forecasts
The students are installing several innovative sensors upstream of the Kariba Dam to continuously measure the water level. Using the data collected, they are developing a predictive model in Python, with which they aim to better map the inflow into the reservoir.
More accurate predictions can help managers make informed decisions about the available water. In this way, the project can contribute to a more reliable energy supply, more efficient water use and better preparedness for droughts and extreme rainfall.
The sensors used are relatively inexpensive, can operate remotely and require little maintenance. If the approach proves successful, it will open up opportunities to deploy similar monitoring networks at other locations across Africa.
First sensors installed
The joint fieldwork will take place from 12 October to 8 November 2026. Part of the group left on 29 August to prepare for the work. Several water level sensors have now been installed and the fieldwork is progressing well.
The grant from the KIVI Study and Travel Fund is being used to prepare for and carry out the fieldwork, including travel and accommodation costs, local transport and the logistics involved in visiting measurement sites and installing the sensors. The sensors themselves are being provided and funded by the degree programme.
Valuable contacts through the Dutch Embassy
As well as the technical work, collaboration plays an important role. The group recently visited the Dutch Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, to present the project. During this meeting, the students were introduced to various organisations that may be interested in sensors at additional locations.
In their presentation, they also highlighted the partners involved, including KIVI as one of the organisations facilitating the fieldwork. The group will soon be sharing more about the embassy visit via LinkedIn.
Learning and sharing knowledge
For the students, the project is an opportunity to apply their knowledge of hydrology, water management and sensor technology in practice. At the same time, they are learning how to collaborate with local authorities and other stakeholders in an international environment. This brings together technical knowledge, data analysis, project management and communication.
On their return, the group will share their experiences and findings during a lunch lecture at Practische Studie, the Civil Engineering students’ society at Delft University of Technology. In this way, they also aim to inspire other students and prepare them for a project abroad.
