Zesa needs US$16m to replace transformers
ZESA HOLDINGS needs about US$16 million to replace over 2 000 vandalised and faulty transformers across the country, amid calls to increase security at its strategic installations.
Zesa’s general manager stakeholder relations communications and welfare Dr George Manyaya spoke on the huge loss during a stakeholder engagement meeting yesterday, noting that theft of copper conductors on old power lines had increased.
“We have intensified our stakeholder engagement efforts and we are moving around the country meeting all clients in order to appreciate your challenges and discuss various issues. Without you, there is no Zesa. We represent the energy pillar and we need to work together in ensuring that we attain Vision 2030.”
Dr Manyaya said the theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure had reached alarming proportions and the thieves had become daring, organised and sophisticated, to such an extent that the distribution network was being seriously damaged daily.
Over 18 000 customers were off supply for periods of up to four years owing to faults caused by theft and vandalism.
“Vandalism is now one of the leading causes of faults and is greatly inconveniencing customers. The utility is losing over US$1 million per month in potential revenue,” Dr Manyaya said.
Commercial director for Zesa’s distribution subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, Engineer Ralph Katsande said they were capacitating their teams with resources to improve service.
“We would like to come up with a mechanism that will make it easier for the tracking of progress. Procurement is critical to our operations as we cannot do anything without buying the required materials, tools, services.”
Hurungwe East legislator Cde Ngoni Masenda applauded Zesa for the initiative saying power cuts were affecting agricultural production.
The engagement session in Mashonaland West was attended by stakeholders from business, farming, schools and churches under a nationwide programme launched by Zesa to engage various interest groups on matters of concern.
So far the power utility has also been to Glendale, Concession and Mvurwi in Mashonaland Central.
Chairperson of the Consumer Advisory Committee, Mr Stanley Nyanzombe, appreciated the gesture by Zesa to engage the nation and advised the community on the dangers of vandalism and theft.
“Vandalism has affected electricity supply and I urge you members of the community to protect the infrastructure as communities are going for long periods without power due to this scourge of vandalism.”-The Herald
