Zesa Holdings has reverted to Stage Two load-shedding schedule
hardly two weeks after assuring consumers of significant relief.
Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira earlier this month
said they had downgraded load-shedding from Stage Two to Stage One after it
started receiving 400MW from Eskom of South Africa.
However, before most consumers had improved supplies, Zesa
yesterday announced increased load-shedding due to depressed generation of
power. Writing on his Twitter handle yesterday, Mr Gwasira said load-shedding
was now at Stage Two.
“Load-shedding is at Stage 2. The small Stage 1 generators,
whilst online, are producing very little and a major Stage 2 unit gone out for
repairs. Shedding has increased phenomenally,” said Mr Gwasira.
However, Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune
Chasi told The Herald that improved electricity supplies could be witnessed in
September.
Minister Chasi said following the return to service of Unit
5 at Hwange Power Station, adding 160MW to the grid, power supply had improved,
but Zesa was prioritising the productive sector.
He said Government negotiations with Mozambique to increase
power imports were also underway.
“Following the return to service of Unit 5 at Hwange adding
160MW to the grid, we expect to see improvement in power supply.
“Unit 6 will be opened up for inspection on the first week
of September for fault diagnostic,” said Minister Chasi.
“Currently, Zesa is prioritising the productive sector such
as mining, winter wheat and the manufacturing sector.
“Our intention is to ensure that we are giving as much
power to the productive sector.
“The Government wants to make sure that the mines are
operating. On the farms, particularly now, there is winter wheat, we want to
make sure the farmers have got power.
“So the domestic consumer admittedly will find that there
will be load shedding, but we should look at the global picture and what our
priorities are,” said Minister Chasi.
He added that it was the responsibility of Zesa to inform
consumers on changes in load-shedding, especially in residential areas.
“I must admit that there has been a bit of regression over
the past few days, that is not a permanent situation.
“It will be resolved very soon. Zesa should publicise
load-shedding schedules to customers so that they make informed decisions.
“It has been due to challenges we faced on a number of
units in Hwange. “They are actively being sorted out.
“We want to continue to improve the availability of power
and I want to assure the public that we are working very actively around the
clock on the challenges facing the country,” said Minister Chasi. Herald
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