ZESA increase blocked by government
By Tererai Karimakwenda
25 February, 2011
Zimbabweans received some welcome news for a change this week when it was
announced that the 30 percent increase in electricity charges, recently
announced by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), had been
blocked by the government.
ZESA had not made any consultations before announcing the massive increase
that went into effect beginning in February. Energy Minister Elton Mangoma
this week explained that it had become clear higher costs would do serious
damage to the economy. He said consumers must be consulted ahead of any
further rate increases.
Most households and businesses were already struggling to pay for
electricity and chronic power cuts continue to frustrate consumers.
Fullard Gwasira, spokesperson for the state-run power utility, said ZESA had
suspended the increase as ordered by government. But he did not express any
sympathy for the masses struggling to pay the already exorbitant fees.
Gwasira was simply quoted as saying; “Government is a major stakeholder in
our day to day operations and if they order us not to increase rates, we
comply with such directives.”
ZESA is also in hot water with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), who
are reportedly accusing the state run parastatal of misleading consumers.
CCZ director Rosemary Siyachitema, reportedly said that the ZESA increase
was actually 50 percent, and not the stated 30 percent.