Zimbabweans Outraged As ZESA Explains Cause of Harare’s Massive Power Outage

Zimbabweans Outraged As ZESA Explains Cause of Harare’s Massive Power Outage

Zimbabweans have cast doubt on ZESA Holdings’ explanation for the massive power outage that plunged Harare into complete darkness late Monday evening, leaving even critical government facilities without electricity.

The blackout struck around 10 PM, affecting the entire city, including the State House, Zimbabwe House, and the President’s Office. Harare was left as dark as a moonless night, with no immediate explanation for the outage.

ZESA Explains Cause of Harare’s Massive Power Outage

On Tuesday evening, ZESA released a statement attributing the power failure to an imbalance on international power connectors.

“ZESA Holdings would like to advise its valued stakeholders that the National grid experienced a system disturbance which resulted in a national blackout on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1255 hours. This incident was caused by an imbalance in power on the international connectors, which affected the national grids of Zimbabwe and some parts of the region,” ZESA explained.

ZESA confirmed that power had been restored to most areas, except those currently affected by routine loadshedding.

“Restoration to most parts of the country has been completed, except for areas under loadshedding,” the statement further reads.

Also read: “I Am Tired of Being Insulted for These Power Cuts”: ZESA Chairperson Sydney Gata Bemoans How He Has Been Constantly Insulted by Zimbabweans Over Loadshedding Crisis

Hwange Unit 8 Maintenance Adds to Concerns

The power utility also mentioned that Hwange Unit 8 is undergoing its scheduled annual maintenance, which they assured had been communicated earlier.

“Meanwhile, as per our earlier communication last month, we would like to advise our valued stakeholders that Hwange Unit 8 has started undergoing the scheduled Annual Class ‘C’ maintenance. Measures are being taken to ensure adequate power supply during the festive season,” the statement ended.

Zimbabweans Outraged Following Explanation

Despite ZESA’s assurances, many Zimbabweans took to social media to express their doubts about the explanation, with some accusing the utility of lying or providing vague excuses. Below are some of the reactions:

@tinanyams:

Is this the truth or just another excuse ( lie )
Seriously guys the country has become one big ruzevha
No man this is unacceptable

@TichanaK:

Electricity now a Christmas gift

@avocado_wacho:

Boys munenge muchingotinyeperawo henyu zviriko

@gc_kore:

International???

I only know regional connectors facilitated by SAPP

@collinvance13:

It would be useful to tell us how long the scheduled maintenance is expected to take.

The post Zimbabweans Outraged As ZESA Explains Cause of Harare’s Massive Power Outage appeared first on iHarare News.