admin
George Maponga in Masvingo
Energy and Power Development Minister Dr Samuel Undenge says people should effect citizen’s arrest on thieves vandalising Zesa infrastructure.
He said Zesa was losing millions of dollars annually through theft of electricity transformers and cables.
Addressing villagers at the commissioning of Munyikwa Schools electrification project in Gutu last week, Dr Undenge implored communities to play a leading role in safeguarding Zesa infrastructure.
He lamented the rampant increase in the theft of electricity grid infrastructure countrywide.
“It is disturbing to note that there is a rampant increase in cases of theft and vandalism of electricity grid infrastructure, in particular conductors and transformers. Protection of this infrastructure can only be provided by you the beneficiaries,’’ he said.
“We can reduce theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to almost negligible levels if our communities are at the forefront of fighting the vice. I actually encourage our people to make citizen’s arrest on such thieves and vandals, the war can be won that way.’’
Dr Undenge pleaded with the courts to impose stiffer sentences on offenders.
He also spoke about power disconnections by Zesa on defaulting consumers.
“We are not saying Zesa should disconnect defaulters, but, at the same time as Government, we want a situation where people pay their bills so that they can continue to get a service from Zesa,’’ he said.
“Our wish is for all those who owe Zesa to negotiate payment plans so that they are not disconnected. However, if they keep quiet Zesa will be left with no option but to cut them off.”
Online Reporter