MUTARE Power cuts affecting the country have hit hard the horticultural industry with growers unable to irrigate flowers for long periods, a situation that has production tumble, according to the Zimbabwe Flowers Growers Association (ZFGA).Association president Craig Johnston is some areas farmers were getting only two hours of power supplies despite the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) promising to ensure 21-hours of supplies to the sector that depends on electricity to power irrigation pumps.
“Flowers have not been irrigated for a month in the main flower producing areas in Vumba. We are having interrupted power supplies of 19 to 20 hours contrary to the 21 hours of uninterrupted power supply that had been promised by ZESA,” said Johnston last week.
He said many growers were unable to meet export orders beause of the power cuts affecting production of quality flowers.
“The viability of flower growers has been seriously threatened and the biggest challenge is remaining in this industry,” he said.
ZESAs inability over the years to boost generation capacity at its ageing power stations and a critical shortage of foreign currency to import adequate electricity from neighbouring countries has left Zimbabwe grappling with severe power shortages.
ZESAs only response has been to implement a punishing power rationing regime to save on the little electricity available. Under the rationing schedule, both domestic and commercial consumers have to endure long periods without electricity, a situation that analysts say could cripple efforts to revive the countrys economy.
Post published in: Economy