Zivanai Dhewa

…as the electrification programme gathers momentum

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, yesterday commissioned Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings’ 117 operational vehicles and 200 transformers, at a time the country is facing severe energy challenges due to vandalism.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Mnangagwa emphasised on the importance of transformers in the supply of electricity.

“The commissioning of these targeted flagship enablers, attests to my Administration’s acknowledgement of the important role played by the energy sector, particularly ZESA Holdings and its subsidiaries in driving the productive activities in the economy,” President Mnangagwa said.

The President however expressed dismay at the negative effects caused by vandalism of the transformers, while at the same time bemoaning the loss of people’s livelihoods.

“Government is aware of the negative impact of the shortage of transformers on the economy, business and our people’s livelihoods.  It is against this background that the 200 transformers being commissioned today will enable increased supply, distribution and access to electricity

To keep the economy and the essential sectors well-oiled, the President suggested that they get priority in receiving the transformers, saying, “It is my expectation therefore, that these transformers must be deployed to essential sectors of our economy such as hospitals, clinics, schools, mining and agriculture among others.”

Hailing the local manufacturing sector, President Mnangagwa commended ZESA’s manufacturing wing for its impact on the economy and on people’s livelihoods.

“Our Import Substitution Strategy entails the local manufacturing of strategic goods and products, this in turn results in the creation and preservation of jobs as well as the generation of foreign currency.  Hence, my Administration is committed to the on-going resourcing and recapitalisation of ZESA Enterprises (ZENT) to ensure adequate supply of transformers and other associated requirements by the entity,” the President said.

While encouraging ZESA to look beyond our borders in order to expand its business, the President said, “The utility is further urged to ride on its export foot prints in Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi and the Democratic of Congo, to expand into other parts of the Continent and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the transformers are said to have come at an opportune time, coinciding with the 2021 winter farming season a possible enabler in meeting the agriculture sector’s energy requirements.  Furthermore the 117 operational vehicles will also ensure a timely response to ZESA faults as a result of increased mobility, responsiveness and reaction time to faults and other client needs.