adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (Zetdc) plans to install 52,000 prepaid meters in Matabeleland region by year end. Countrywide, the parastatal said it plans to have installed 120,000 prepaid meters by December. In a statement, Zetdc spokesperson Fullard Gwasira said the project, which was launched in August 2012, has been facing procurement challenges.
He said 52,000 pre-paid meters would be installed in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces, while 49,000 meters are required in Harare; 12,000 in Mashonaland East, Central and West and 3,000 in the Midlands province.
“There are 120, 000 meters remaining on the post-paid platform. This has been caused by the shortage of meters as a result of procurement challenges.
“We ordered 130, 000 meters which are currently under production and we hope to finish off the project by the fourth quarter of the year,” said Gwasira.
He said the main suburbs in Bulawayo with areas still to be covered include Barbourfields, Mzilikazi, Makokoba, Njube, Magwegwe, Pumula, Nkulumane and Entumbane.
“Prepaid meters have reduced domestic electricity demand thus contributing to the elimination of load shedding.
“Customer habits have changed as they avoid wastage and use electricity efficiently,” he said.
Gwasira said the utility had managed to reduce the waiting list for new service connections from 35,000 to about 10,000 following a stop gap meter procurement measure.
“The awaited 130, 000 prepaid meters will not clear the backlog of old meters but will also address the need for new connections,” said Gwasira.
Online Reporter