Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A MASSIVE power outage plunged large swathes of Bulawayo into darkness on Saturday, 10 May 2025, after a burnt switch gear crippled supply infrastructure in the western region, ZETDC has confirmed.
Luveve, Gwabalanda, Old and New Lobengula, Pelandaba, Matshobana, Mpopoma, Njube, Emakhandeni, Barbourfields, Nguboyenja, Makokoba, Mzilikazi and surrounding suburbs have been left without electricity, sending residents into panic and frustration.
“This is unacceptable! We’ve had no power for hours and no clear updates on when it’ll return,” fumed Amanda Ncube of Njube. “Our food is going bad and our kids can’t study!”
ZETDC revealed in a public notice that the blackout was caused by “burnt switch gear” and that restoration efforts were underway. “Our teams are working to ensure full restoration of service in the shortest possible time,” the statement read.
But angry residents say ZETDC isn’t moving fast enough. “We are tired of the same story every month. What are we paying for?” complained another resident from Barbourfields.
The electricity supplier urged the public to treat all circuits as LIVE during the outage, warning that power could return without notice.
As night fell with no flicker of light, Bulawayo’s western suburbs remained on edge, grappling with cold, spoiled perishables, and a rising fear of criminal activity in the pitch black.
ZETDC apologized for the inconvenience, but for now, the city waits… in the dark.
