Chronicle Editor
Yoliswa Dube-Moyo, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
Spitzkop North suburb residents in Gwanda have gone for close to 20 years without electricity, a development which is fuelling criminal activities in the area.
The development of the high-density suburb began in the early 2000s and residents have been living in the dark since then.
Robberies and other criminal activities are now common in the suburb as criminals take advantage of the darkness.
Most residents rely on solar energy to light up their homes and use gas for cooking.
Residents said they were scared for their lives as night time spelt trouble for them.
Gwanda Residents Association president Mr Wellington Nare said the unavailability of electricity has put their lives in danger as there are many criminal activities that happen in the suburb at night.
“Spitzkop has gone for years without key basic services like electricity which has fuelled criminal activities in the area.
Residents are constantly complaining about unlawful entry and stealing of movable property,” said Mr Nare.
He said the residents association has engaged Zesa to involve the community in electrifying the area.
“The residents’ association, in collaboration with residents and the councillor for the area have approached Zesa with a view of involving the community in the electrification of the area and Zesa has shown willingness on the aspect of community involvement. However, there are some issues which need to be dealt with such as the bill of quantities which Zesa promised to do,” said Mr Nare.
A resident, Ms Ntandoyenkosi Phiri, said moving around the area at night was not safe as one might get robbed or raped.
– @Yolisswa
Online Reporter