CHITUNGWIZA The Zimbabwe power authority, ZESA, has failed to supply electricity for a fortnight, causing chaos for homes and businesses.
Because of the continual blackouts, people have turned to fuel-powered generators to charge their mobile phones. Lameck Chinanga is now turning a tidy profit from lending his power supply and is one of very few who wants the power disruptions to continue.
I am not stealing from anyone, but just trying to make a living. I buy fuel for the generator and those who want their handsets charged can come and have them charged for 50 cents, said Chinanga. Chinanga makes around $5 a day from his new venture.
I have to charge my phone or I will be out of business, said Oriel, one of Chinangas customers. I sell clothes that I bring from South Africa and have to talk to people on the mobile phone. Villagers from the Seke communal lands are also profiting from the lack of power by selling firewood they bring into town.
Post published in: Economy