|
ZESA to disconnect defaulters |
 |
 |
 |
|
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 19:50 |
 Disconnections of power for defaulting customers are set to increase as ZESA moves to mobilise US$80 million to repay Hydro Cabora Bassa (HCB) of Mozambique.
As pressure mounts on ZESA to repay its electricity debt, government has vowed that there is no going back on disconnections.
Officials from HCB are expected in the country on Sunday for consultations on government’s plan on repaying the US$80 million debt that has been accumulating for more than 3 years.
Addressing the media in Harare, Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said HCB requires a concrete repayment plan from ZESA and consumers are expected to foot this bill as neither the power utility nor government has money.
Failure to service the HCB debt which currently stands at $80 million dollars will result in Zimbabwe being disconnected.
Minister Mangoma said some consumers have pledged to pay ZESA US$40 million in advance for electricity to aid the utility to pay its debt.
He also warned ZESA employees who connive with defaulters that they will be dismissed.
HCB supplies an average of 100 megawatts to Zimbabwe with the figure rising to between 150 and 180 in times of critical need.
Meanwhile, the ZETDC has concluded negotiations with firms that will install prepaid meters.
The rollout programmes for prepaid meters is expected to take over 18 months as the power utility has exhausted its stock of 10 000 meters.
 |
