The Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Commission announced the increase on Thursday. And as of the September 1st, the average tariff will rise to 9.3 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), from the current 7.5 cents.
ZESA, which residents say stands for “Zimbabwe Electricity Sometimes Available” has recently warned that Zimbabweans must be ready for extended load-shedding, meaning the country is likely to see less power for the increased tariffs.
The announcement meanwhile comes as pressure group WOZA is urging Parliament’s Anti Corruption and Monopolies Committee to take action on ZESA’s monopoly on electricity supply.
WOZA protesters this week marched to Parliament carrying symbolic ‘coffins’ and football style red cards. They have previously issued the utility with yellow cards as a warning. The group also has more than 100 thousand signatures on a petition calling for an end to ZESA’s monopoly and corruption.
20 WOZA members were arrested and briefly detained on Monday when they took to the streets in Bulawayo ZESA’s controversial billing system and poor service. Up to 600 WOZA members took part in the demonstration, which came up against a strong police presence.
As part of its campaign for a fairer system for residents the group is calling on ZESA to install pre-paid meters for residents, who complain that they are being slapped with ridiculously high bills.
Post published in: Zimbabwe News