ZESA Holdings is facing an escalating wave of vandalism of its property, which has inflicted severe financial damage, with costs soaring to US$24,4 million.
The spate of vandalism, which peaked with 7 186 recorded cases by June 2024, has not only undermined the utility’s operations, but highlights a broader crisis as Zesa grapples with massive unpaid bills amounting to ZiG5,7 billion.
From 2019 to 2024, the vandalism, which includes theft of copper and aluminium conductors, cables, transformer oil, pylons and transformers, has not only escalated in frequency, but also in the sophistication of the attacks.
In a statement, Zesa executive chairperson Sydney Gata said in 2022 alone, the utility saw a sharp increase in incidents, with 1 694 cases reported, costing Zesa US$4,7 million.
“The financial burden of these attacks averages US$4 million annually. This directly affects our ability to maintain and expand our services, hitting hardest the most vulnerable communities,” Gata said.
He said Zesa was implementing various strategies to curb vandalism, but the financial haemorrhage continues, exacerbated by an enormous debt burden.
As of August 12 this year, the utility was owed a staggering ZIG5,7 billion, with the industrial sector alone accounting for half of this debt.
Sources, who spoke to NewsDay called for strict measures to curb the vice of vandalism of Zesa property.
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Tendai Murisa, of Zvimba emphasised, the need to tackle the vandalism head-on.
“Every dollar lost to these criminal acts is a step back in our progress towards stable electricity supply,” he said.
Shamva resident Shingai Moyo weighed in, stressing the importance of settling Zesa debts.
“It is crucial that all sectors, especially industry and the government, promptly settle their outstanding payments to Zesa. We all depend on a reliable power supply for our daily needs and economic activities,” Moyo said.
