ZIM GBC NEWS REPORTERS
The struggling Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has again effected a 37% increase for consumers tariff within the month to a suffocating populace.
Zimbabweans are reeling under economic hardships that are being driven by a local currency that is losing value on a daily basis.
When the government of ZANU-PF decided to award civil servants salary increase, the Zimbabwe Dollar lost value against the greenback. Again when salaries were increased, consumer food prices shot up.
Just like fuel, the increase in electricity tariffs triggers prices on consumer goods, and this will erode the salary increases that were effected last month.
Already several commuter omnibus operators have pegged one way fare to ZWL$ 1 800.00 which is the current black market exchange rate. A one way fare is usually US$1. 00.
The ZEDTC increase comes after acclaimed celebrations of the commissioning of Hwange Unit 7 which is supposed to add 335 Mega Watts into the national grid.
The new tariffs have been effective since 1 April 2023. In a notice effecting the hike in tariffs ZETDC said consumers would get 50 units/kWh for ZWL $1250 on their first purchase (domestic tariffs) from ZWL $912 and the 1000 units/kWh price was hiked to $129 460 from $94 640.
Citizens have been dismayed to learn that the struggling Power Utility has increased its tariffs in as many days even though its services barely meet customer demands.
Following the recently hiked tariffs citizens took social media to vent their disdain.
“Sisonke emlindini wenungu, ohlatshiweyo kaphume….amandle ombane azasalela amasela kuphela.”@Amehlo ammnyama
we are crowded in this porcupine hole, those who can’t take it will have to move out, only thieves will be able to afford electricity in their homes.
“Would like to see their debtors (ZEDTC) book.” @Michael Mason
“We cannot be pumping money to support lavish lifestyles of management nor replenishing (a) dwindling cookie jar.”@dombo-fungai
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Energy Minister Zhemu Soda said the nation should not expect power cuts to ease anytime soon because Hwange Unit 7 was still undergoing tests.
Residents have been experiencing almost 17 hours without electricity as per day, despite the coming online of Hwange Unit 7.