THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has blamed heavy rains that hit most of the country for the latest spate of power outages, saying it has experienced a number of faults due to wet weather.

PRIVILEGE SHOKO/
MELODY CHIMHAU

In a statement yesterday, the power utility said lightning strikes and falling trees were adversely affecting normal power distribution.

“Lightning strikes and falling trees on overhead distribution networks are causing malfunctions of some electrical equipment and water seeping into underground cables is causing short circuiting,” the statement reads.

Zesa warned consumers against attempting to repair electrical faults or interfering with electricity infrastructure, as this might lead to serious injury or electrocution.

“Consumers should contact Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company personnel to attend to faults and should not interpret all power outages as load-shedding,” the company warned.

Zesa said it was working flat out to fix the faults and restore services at the earliest possible times to minimise inconveniences.

“Some faults may take longer to rectify than is normally the case,” the utility said.

“Inconveniences being caused by the high prevalence rate of faults are sincerely regretted.”

Heavy rains presently being experienced in the country have reportedly claimed lives and caused mayhem, destroying settlements and leaving a trail of destruction. Road infrastructure has been affected, with some roads becoming slippery and access to some areas hampered.

The Meteorological Services Department has forecast heavy rains next week with the ground already saturated and dams overflowing.

Rains are expected to worsen the already bad situation and may cause flash flooding.