adminLawrence Chitumba Harare Bureau
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has warned the public against paying bribes to officials to fast track new connections, prepaid meter installations or any other services offered by the company. “It has come to our attention that some desperate customers are having to pay money to individuals to facilitate prepaid meter installations, new connections or other services. ZETDC policy does not require customers to make payments to any of its employees or contractors to facilitate or fast track new connection, meter installation or any other service,” said the company in a statement on Monday.
The firm said it bought enough prepaid meters to cater for current and future requirements and there was no need for customers to bribe officials.
The company said it had put in place controls to pick up meters installed or new connections done without laid down procedures and anyone found on the wrong side would be disconnected and charged with bribery.
In a telephone interview on Monday, ZETDC spokesperson Fullard Gwasira said they received reports alleging that members of the public were being asked to pay bribes to fast track new connections, meter installations or any other services.
“We haven’t yet apprehended anyone receiving a bribe from members of the public because as you know it’s difficult to do so as this will be between the customer and our employee.
“As a company we don’t condone the payment of bribes for services that should be done for free and we encourage members of the public to report cases of ZETDC employees soliciting for bribes.
“If members of the public report these employees, then we would be able to apprehend and deal with them,” said Gwasira.
Some employees of the power company reportedly frustrate customers, resulting in some of them offering to pay for the services that are actually supposed to be offered free of charge.
Online Reporter