Power cuts make life stink

ole of Chiredzi township is starting to smell because of the unflushed toilets. The sugar cane fields are beginning to show signs of stress because they are also not getting watered. And animals are going thirsty for long periods because pumps that bring water to pans in the conservancies do not work without electricity. The power shortages are creating health hazards for both people and animals.
Chiredzi farmer Gerry Whitehead said the high-density areas of Chiredzi Town where the majority of the people live were very crowded and had no lights and no water to drink or flush toilets.
The electricity blackouts are also affecting wild life in the Conservancies. Herds of animals are often seen waiting at their usual watering places, which are now dry. Water carts drawn by tractors are being used to try to provide some water. Whitehead said temperatures had risen in the last few days causing animals to visit the pans more often.
Companies are suffering as well. According to the Chiredzi farmer, many have almost stopped working, and shops are nearly empty.
Fuel supplies are getting worse with the price going up daily by Z$1000. “Today it is Z$70,000 per litre and tomorrow it will be Z$71,000 per litre. This is causing food prices to increase,” said Whitehead. – SW Radio Africa