POWER utility Zesa Holdings is struggling to maintain powerlines in public areas due to funding shortages, a Cabinet minister has said.
Energy and Power Development minister Edgar Moyo revealed this in Parliament recently while responding to written questions from legislators on government’s plans regarding the maintenance of powerlines in public places.
“Zesa is doing its best in all lines in public places. However, shortage of funding has led to delays in maintaining some lines. Powerlines in public places are maintained for clearance of bush and grass through local communities.”
“These communities come through their community leadership to sign contracts for maintenance of lines in their jurisdiction. Zesa pays the community for the maintenance work, at a rate agreed between Zesa and the community,” he said.
Moyo said the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) was working to provide reliable electricity power supply to rural areas through a 6% levy on all electricity sales.
The fund, established in 2005, aims to promote equitable access to electricity, maximise economic and social benefits and stimulate innovative approaches to rural electrification.
REF partners the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company for operation and maintenance and provides subsidies for cost-effective expansion of electricity access in un-electrified rural areas.
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