Published by the government of Zimbabwe
9 July 2009
Harare — ZIMBABWE Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company has warned customers not pay for repairs or replace equipment in the event of a breakdown as that is the company's responsibility.
The Zesa Holdings subsidiary said in a statement that the company was not demanding for payment for repair and installation of new equipment.
Over the years, some ZETDC workers were clandestinely charging customers for fault repairs and even asked the customers to buy spare parts, opening room for conmen who masqueraded as genuine company employees.
On many occasions, some of the conmen would come back and steal from the customers.
"It is against company policy that customers pay to individuals for such service. Whenever need arises, it has to be authorised by the network manager," said the company.
New equipment would be supplied without payment.
The company distanced itself from people demanding payment for service or new equipment.
"This should be reported," it said.
Cases of officials demanding payment for service done on behalf of Zesa were on the increase.
The company expressed concern over the increase in vandalism cases in Harare.
"Transformers and switch gears are drained of oil, losing cooling and insulation."
The shortage of replacements at the company had left consumers in a desperation situation.
Government targeted to rehabilitate transmission and improve distribution by 20 percent under the 100-day programme ending on August 6.
The reaction time for faults was supposed to be within 24 hours.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development would finalise within that period purchasing power agreements and negotiate for 400 Megawatts power imports.
Last week the ministry said power cuts would be more frequent as South Africa, DRC and Mozambique wanted Zimbabwe to settle its US$60 million debt within a month.
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