Power cuts resurface in Harare , ZESA cite maintenance issues

Harare residents have recently witnessed continued power cuts over the past weeks with the power utility citing maintenance issues.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), ZESA Holdings’ has introduced blackouts that lasts up to 12 hours a day or more.

Zimbabwe last witnessed serious power shortages some time back.

However , over the past weeks power cuts are being experienced in various locations.

The power utility have been issuing notices stating that there is maintenance works being carried out.

In a statement on Tuesday the power utility said , “ The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution company would like to notify Harare residents of a power supply interruption on Wednesday 18 August 2021.”

” The power supply interruption will be for the purpose of carrying out critical maintenance works.”

“Electricity will be cut off from 0600 to 1800 hours residents should treat all circuits as LIVE during this period as power may be restored without notice,” ZETDC said.

The power cuts could be a replica of what happened close to three years ago which hit production and businesses.

While the power utility has since been increasing tariffs to meet operational costs, as input prices have gone up.

Recently , Energy and Power Development Minister Soda Zhemu said ,” they are ongoing thermal power projects are expected to add 150 Megawatts to the national grid by end of year to ensure adequate power supply in the county.”

Much of Zimbabwe’s electricity is produced at the Kariba Dam Hydroelectric Power Station (about 750 MW), at Hwange Thermal Power Station which has an installed capacity of 920 MW, and at three minor coal fired stations.

However , the country has since been struggling to generate enough electricity to meet the demand, and has had to turn to countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia.