adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
ZESA has resumed installation of pre-paid meters targeting 3,000 households and business premises in Plumtree after having suspended the programme in September when it ran out of the measuring devices. An official from Zesa who preferred anonymity told Chronicle yesterday that the meters were now available and the programme was targeting high density suburbs.
Said the official: “Installation of pre-paid meters in Plumtree has resumed and this time around we hope the meters will be enough to cover all the areas.”
Initially the exercise was conducted in the low density areas and some parts of the central business district.
“This time around meters are being installed in high density areas after which we will move to medium density areas,” the official said.
“So far we have installed meters in 500 households in low density areas and part of the CBD. Our target is about 3,000 households, business and government premises.”
The official said plans were underway to install pre-paid meters in surrounding rural communities who are part of the estimated 4,000 customer base here.
The power utility recently announced that it was now offering vending services for its clients outside the usual working hours.
The installation of pre-paid meters in Plumtree was initially met with mixed feelings from residents who complained over the billing system after some residents were asked to clear their bills first before benefiting from the new system.
Some of residents feel the move was unfair as they queried the billing system arguing that Zesa used estimated readings.
Plumtree Residents’ Association chairman Paulos Ncube said while the programme was welcome, Zesa should install meters to everyone and stop demanding clearance of previous bills, which are “questionable”.
Prepaid meters have an advantage in that one pays for the electricity consumed and the bill does not accumulate.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter