Households to get four hours supply of electricity a day

By Tichaona Sibanda
9 May 2007

The government has introduced electricity rationing with immediate effect, to cope with the ongoing power crisis caused by the inefficiencies of the regime, analysts said on Wednesday.

Reports from Harare said households in the country will be limited to four hours power supply a day in the latest setback to hit the country’s struggling economy.

The drastic measure, meaning electricity will only be available in homes between 5pm and 9pm, is likely to come into force immediately. The move is designed to support the country’s wheat farmers who need power to irrigate their crops. The farmers will be guaranteed power for 18 hours a day in an effort to boost the winter crop.

The state utility power firm ZESA Holdings said the restrictions would be in place for the next three months. MDC Legislator Giles Mutsekwa said they will put the issue up for debate when Parliament sits next week.

‘This is negative for the business and all households would have their electrical appliances affected because of a stubborn regime that refuses to accept that it has failed,’ Mutsekwa said.

Power cuts have become a regular occurrence in the country, where a shortage of foreign currency has prevented investment in the antiquated electricity infrastructure. Key industries such as mining have been affected, putting further strain on the economy.