THE World Bank (WB) has recommended that government launches an electrical power demand-side management programme designed to encourage consumers to use less energy during peak hours.

It also encourages users to move the time of energy use to off-peak times such as nights and weekends. The country has been reeling under a power-supply crisis, characterised by chronic power outages for the past decade.

The sole power supplier, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) continues to face operational and service delivery problems. The energy crisis has put blight on the country’s hopes of a sustained economic growth, as load shedding and high tariffs have negatively affected productivity in the manufacturing and mining sectors.

Power demand is expected to increase by 29% this year spurred by increased mining activity. WB Zimbabwe Country Manager Mungai Lenneiye said that it is anticipated that current power shortages are likely to continue to hamper growth in the short to medium term.

“These power shortages have resulted from inadequate maintenance experienced over the past decade, including vandalism and theft, and the lack of adequate financial resources. The weak financial situation of the power sector has also limited Zesa’s ability to promote and finance new generation investments,” said Lenneiye.

— BY KUDZAI CHIMHANGWA

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