Two consumers independently telephoned Zesa and Harare Water to enquire whether something was wrong. Perhaps, as often happens, some lazy or unsupervised workers were sleeping on the job?
The reason for their call? The areas had had electricity and water for several consecutive days! Normally, these services are available for a few hours a day during the day or night, followed by days (even weeks) of darkness or dry taps.
Consumers prefer short periods of supplies daily than 24 hours or more, followed by several days without.
Cynics would say Zimbabweans have become so used to their miserable lot, it is now not possible to see the need to change the status quo. The outside world must marvel at how the populace has persevered considerable adversity for so long.
Today there are still queues at the banks and building societies, overnight queues at the passport offices and elsewhere. Until recently, people jostled in disorganized queues to buy essential commoditiesand even for mobile phone lines.
A crippled service delivery system caused by a decade of bad governance has made dry taps and burst sewers, mountains of rubbish everywhere, load shedding and potholed roads a common feature throughout the country. Parts of Harare, for instance, are known to have gone without water or electricity for up to two years.
These problems apply to both the densely populated townships and the suburbs of the better off. The difference, though, is that residents of the suburbs can afford expensive generators, prolific boreholes and 1 000-litre storage tanks.
It is hardly surprising, therefore, that last year Zimbabwe was hit by the worst cholera outbreak in Africa in ten years. Predictably, most casualties were in the poor areas, urban and rural.
Consumers do not expect bills or statements because the water or electricity providers do not have transport to do the readings. Where metres are read, they are grossly exaggerated. The companies blame this on the introduction of multiple currencies or computerizationor both.
The government temporarily fixed a maximum of US$30 per month for electricity in the townships and US$40 for the suburbs. It has also ruled that no water bill, no payment, contrary to the insistence of the service providers that consumers pay an estimate based on normal consumption, with adjustments being made later.
Meanwhile consumers eagerly await the outcome of an investigation by the Competition and Tariff Commission to determine whether Zesa has been abusing its monopoly. (Four women marked the 30th independence anniversary at Harare central police cells, after demonstrating against high Zesa tariffs). The government is also working on limits to charges for water, electricity and telephone services.
Some properties where I live had prepaid electricity metres which were phased out more than a year ago. Zesa is unable to install new gadgets because of lack of transport. On my last visit to Zesa Wyne Street offices last year, I was asked if I could provide transport for a technician. I declined. The man said they would send one when they have transport. I am still waiting.
Without a metre, I am expectedno requiredto pay an estimate. In Zimbabwe, customers have to request for bills, or risk discontinuation of service and possible legal action. – Tim Nyahunzvi is a retired media and communication trainer. He can be contacted at timnyahunzvi@yahoo.co.uk
Post published in: Opinions