Highfield Zesa Substation Catches Fire Plunging Some Parts Of Harare Into Darkness

The Highfield Zesa substation caught fire last night, resulting in some parts of Harare plunging into darkness.

Zimbabwe’s power supply network suffered twin blows this weekend. A devastating substation fire coincided with technical failures at the country’s major generation facility. The simultaneous incidents have forced electricity authorities to implement emergency measures while repair crews work around the clock.

Highfield Substation Fire Destroys Vital Equipment

Flames engulfed critical infrastructure at ZESA Holdings’ Highfield substation late Sunday evening, with the cause of the blaze remaining undetermined. The destruction has left multiple surrounding substations inoperable, cutting power to extensive residential and industrial zones.

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The cascading failures have plunged numerous communities into darkness, including:

Major portions of Highfield and Waterfalls
Industrial sectors in Willowvale and Workington
Key manufacturing zones in Southerton and Ardbennie
Residential areas including Rugare, Westwood, and parts of Mbare

Highfield substation catches fire and disrupts service-Image Source@herald

Emergency Power Rerouting Implemented

ZETDC technicians have established temporary power supply solutions for some affected regions. The Workington industrial area is now receiving electricity from the Kambuzuma substation. Willowvale district is temporarily powered through the Parkridge substation.

Utility Company Vows Rapid Restoration

ZESA Holdings has publicly assured that repair teams are working tirelessly to replace damaged equipment and stabilize the national grid.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience to our customers and will provide continuous updates on restoration progress,” stated a company spokesperson.

The power utility emphasised its commitment to minimising the duration of the disruption while cautioning residents and businesses to prepare for continued intermittent supply until both incidents are fully resolved.

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Hwange Power Station Technical Fault Compounds Crisis

Meanwhile, engineers are battling separate technical challenges at Hwange Power Station, Zimbabwe’s largest coal-fired plant. The generation shortfall has necessitated intensified load-shedding protocols nationwide until full capacity can be restored.