Confusion reigns over power reconnections

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Information gathered has revealed that most service centres in Harare are demanding 50 percent down payment of the total bill to have power restored, with no payment plan.
Those wishing to be put on payment plans are required to pay 75 percent of the total amount owed.
This is in contrast with the Government position that reconnections can be done when a payment of 25 percent of the total bill is made, plus a full payment of the current bill.
Customers would then be given an approved payment plan, which should not exceed six months.
And prior to disconnection, a five-day notice should be provided.
A front office worker at Zesa head office claimed that no such policy was in place at the power utility.
He said the Government policy was “mere political rhetoric”, completely divorced from what is happening on the ground.
“That is what you read in newspapers,” he said. “It is political language. But that is not our position.
“We are only considering a three-month payment plan for customers who make a down payment of 75 percent of the total bill.
“But for those who pay half of the bill, no payment plan is provided.”
A credit officer at Megawatt House in Harare said they were working on instructions from the management of Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, a subsidiary of Zesa.
But Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said there was no change in policy as the power utility was implementing Government policy.
“The policy on reconnection is directed by the Minister (of Energy and Power Development Mr Elton     Mangoma) and that is what we are implementing,” he said.
“If there is any change, that should certainly come from the ministry and we will implement it, accordingly.”
Minister Mangoma recently told a Press conference that the ministry had taken a position that defaulting customers would have the service withdrawn as an encouragement to settle outstanding bills.
“To avoid disconnections or, as those who have been disconnected, so as to be reconnected, a minimum down payment of 25 percent of the total bill has to be paid,” said Minister Mangoma.
“(The) balance (should) be paid in an approved plan with Zesa for a period not exceeding six months (while the) current bill should be paid in full.
“This policy will be applied to all customers fairly, without fear or favour.”
The confusion over the implementation of the reconnection policy has seen an increase in illegal reconnections.
Residents interviewed  said Zesa’s  demands were discouraging them from paying bills.
“Zesa as a company is a debtor to other institutions but are they being as hard on them as they are to us?” asked one Harare resident.
“We are acknowledging our bills but an encouraging payment plan should be put in place. This is why some have resorted to illegal reconnections. 
Zesa is owed about US$450 million, which it says is contributing to poor service delivery. This has resulted in massive power cuts.
Zesa has shortlisted 11 investors to finance the rehabilitation and expansion of Hwange and Kariba Power stations at an estimated cost of US$1,3 billion.
There are also prospects for increasing power imports from new stations being developed in the region.
Presently, Zesa imports power from Mozambique, Zambia and the DRC.