ZESA launches corruption probe at revenue offices

ZESA has ordered an investigation into allegations of officials going against company policy by refusing to register prepaid electricity meters over outstanding debts in a number of cities.

Notices pasted at ZESA offices countrywide show that after installation of the meters, 20 percent of the money paid each time residents recharged would be deducted towards the debt they accrued when they were still using the fixed charge system. 

However,  ZESA officials have been turning away residents who try to register and purchase prepaid electricity vouchers, demanding that they settle their debts in full first.

Fuming Bulawayo residents yesterday said they were now relying on generators as they could not access electricity.

"These ZESA guys forced us to install prepaid meters. They leave them with electricity worth $5 and it does not last more than a week. We have to register the meters before we can buy additional units. They are refusing to let us register and that is not what they told us when they installed the meters," said Mercy Mbijana.

She said she owed Zesa $2 300 from the fixed charge era.

Mbijana said most of her neighbours had resorted to Zesa alternatives like generators, fire and solar energy.

People from Plumtree, Beitbridge, Gweru and Masvingo told Bulawayo24 that they were facing the same problem.

Zesa spokesman Mr Fullard Gwasira said officials who were refusing to register the prepaid meters were doing so against a clear company policy and would be investigated. He said the culprits were likely to face disciplinary action.

"We are launching an investigation. The official company policy is that those with outstanding debts will have them being fed into the prepaid meters. Whenever they top up energy, 20 percent will be deducted and channeled towards offsetting their debts," said Gwasira.

He said if officials refused to cooperate, residents should contact the next higher office, including his.