Weeds causes blackouts in Zambia

Some of the power plant's turbines have stopped

The rampant growth of water weed near a hydro-electric dam in Zambia has cut the electricity supply, causing widespread blackouts.

State power company Zesco says the weed on the Kafue River has restricted the flow of water to the electricity plant, cutting the power supply by a quarter.

Zesco says it has had to ration power to domestic users and copper mines.

The BBC's Musonda Chibamba in Zambia says it is the first time the weed has affected Kafue Gorge's productivity.

The government says the company has been negligent in allowing the weeds to grow right up to the power turbines.