Villagers’ livelihood under threat as Zesa switches off power to irrigation scheme

$88 000 debt.
Farmers at Tuli-Makwe Irrigation Scheme are crying foul over the disconnection, saying it would bring more hunger to the poor people in the area.
The power utility is reportedly demanding at least $44 000 to reconnect supplies.
In an interview yesterday, Chief Khulumani Mathema, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, said it was impossible for the plot-holders to raise the needed amount.
He said the irrigation scheme was a source of livelihood and villagers were already suffering.
“The development has affected the farmers and the community as a whole as the scheme was a source of water and food for the villagers. “Farmers get money to pay fees from produce at the irrigation scheme and now their livelihood is being threatened by the situation.
“It has also affected a school nearby, which has gone for a long time without power. We understand that the debt is about $88 000,” said Chief Mathema.
He also said villagers were poor and would not be able to raise the required $44 000 to reconnect the power supplies.
A Zesa employee who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the irrigation scheme was disconnected a few months ago due to the unpaid debt.
“I can confirm that we have disconnected power from Tuli-Makwe irrigation scheme over an unpaid debt of about $88 000,” said the Zesa employee.
“The plot-holders have to pay at least half of the bill so that power is restored.”