By Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
A group of concerned residents from Gweru and surrounding areas have submitted a petition to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) Southern Division, expressing deep concerns about ongoing and excessive power outages.
Signed by local residents, students, business owners, senior citizens, and activists, the petition calls for immediate relief and action to address the prolonged blackouts affecting the cityi
It was presented on November 5, 2024, and addressed to Engineer Kasipo, the ZETDC Regional Manager, and other key figures including Gweru District Administrator, local Members of Parliament, and the Mayor of Gweru
Residents are demanding that ZETDC reduce the current power outages, which have been running from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily, and severely disrupting daily life.
Impact on Business and Education
The petition highlights the devastating impact these power cuts have had on small businesses, many of which have been forced to retrench workers or close their doors entirely due to financial losses.
Local entrepreneurs, from butchers to grinding mill operators, have reported struggling to keep their businesses running.
Students in the region, especially those preparing for critical year-end exams, are also bearing the brunt of the blackouts.
“It is very difficult to study when the power keeps going off. I can barely read or do my homework in the dark,” said one student.
Residents emphasize that the lack of electricity has disrupted not just their businesses but their lives in every aspect, from work to study and home life.
Water Supply Crisis
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the petition is the effect of power outages on Gweru’s water supply.
It was pointed out by residents that the power shortages have hindered the city’s ability to pump and treat water, leading to a critical shortage of clean water.
With many households unable to access water, women and young girls are being forced to travel long distances in search of alternative water sources, putting them at risk of encountering criminals.
Residents warn that this water shortage poses a significant threat to public health, as the city faces an increased risk of waterborne diseases.
“The Zero Water effects expose residents, particularly women and young girls, to criminals, rapists, and murderers while they search for water at alternative sources. This is not only a crisis but a ticking time bomb for waterborne diseases,” the petition reads.
Request for Action
The petitioners are calling for a series of immediate actions from ZETDC:
- Reduced Power Outages: The residents request that ZETDC reduce the daily power outages to a maximum of 7 hours per day, specifically between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and provide uninterrupted power supply during the evenings (6:00 PM to 7:00 AM) and on weekends and public holidays.
- Dedicated Power Supply for Water Treatment: The petitioners are demanding a special, uninterrupted power line dedicated to Gweru’s water treatment and pumping stations to ensure that the city’s water supply remains stable.
- Communication and Engagement: Residents also call for improved communication from ZETDC, with clear schedules for power outages and advance warning of any disruptions, rather than unexpected blackouts. They urge for a platform where residents can engage directly with ZETDC and other stakeholders to address concerns and discuss solutions.
- Public Accountability: In line with the constitutional rights of Zimbabwean citizens, the petitioners are requesting greater transparency and access to information about the power supply situation and ZETDC’s plans to address it.
A Call for Urgent Relief
“We are exhausted by these excessive and unpredictable power outages. Our businesses are struggling, students can’t study, and basic services like water are under threat. We urge ZETDC to act quickly and restore some semblance of normalcy to our lives,” said Justine Mhondiwa, the spokesperson for the petitioners.
The residents hope that ZETDC will take their concerns seriously and implement the necessary measures to resolve the ongoing power crisis.
The petition was formally submitted to ZETDC on November 5, 2024, and was signed by a diverse group of residents from Mkoba, Ascot, Senga, and Claremont, among other areas.
This petition, which reflects widespread frustration with the current state of electricity supply, underscores the need for prompt government intervention to restore basic services and protect the well-being of residents in Gweru.
