ZETDC presses on with prepaid street lighting

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has vowed to press ahead with its installation of smart prepaid meters for public lighting, despite complaints from local authorities, particularly the Municipality of Chitungwiza, that the project was implemented without formal consultation.

ZETDC said the initiative - already underway in Bulawayo and Chitungwiza - is part of a nationwide transition aimed at improving efficiency, reducing losses, and ensuring that municipalities pay for the power they consume.

According to documents obtained by NewsDay, ZESA Holdings began formal engagement with councils in June 2024, and issued final notices on May 28, 2025, regarding the prepaid meter installations for streetlights.

However, Chitungwiza municipal officials claim they were caught off-guard. Spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko said council only received formal communication from ZETDC on June 2, long after installations had already begun.

"This project came as a surprise to the local authority," Kachiko said. "ZESA has been installing prepaid meters without any notification to council. The intent may not be bad, but the approach was problematic."

Kachiko said the lack of prior coordination has led to service disruptions, including poor lighting and increased reports of night-time muggings in areas where meters were installed but not activated due to lack of top-up arrangements.

He added that councillors raised serious concerns during a full council meeting last week, questioning why no joint planning had taken place and how the municipality was expected to budget for recharging the tower lights.

In response to the backlash, ZETDC issued a statement defending the project, calling it a forward-looking solution that would modernise energy use and reduce waste.

"The meters that we have now put in are smart intelligence, and they open up opportunities for municipalities to save energy," ZETDC said. "Many tower lights are now solar-powered, and these smart meters can even export power back into the grid."

ZETDC added that prepaid metering is now the regional standard due to worsening power shortages and financial sustainability concerns.

"From 2012, we have been transitioning from post-paid to prepaid systems to match supply and demand. Most new electricity contracts are prepaid across the region."

ZETDC insists local authorities were informed of the programme well in advance and had already signed off at operational levels in some areas. In Seke, for instance, 42 out of 72 streetlights have already been converted to prepaid. In Zengeza, 54 out of 128 have been changed, with full installation expected to be complete by June 25.

"Our team has worked with council electrical departments. CIUs [Customer Interface Units] and documentation were signed for. Finance departments were engaged regarding billing and migration," ZETDC said.

However, ZETDC admitted that some council officials, such as the Zengeza director of works, refused to accept documentation, potentially explaining the disconnect between departments.
Power Still Available, Says ZETDC

Contrary to reports that some areas were left without lighting, ZETDC clarified that power supply had not been disconnected.

"The tower lights have not been switched off. Power is available at the point of use. If council is facing challenges, ZETDC remains available to assist."

As tension brews between the utility and local authorities, energy experts are urging improved coordination and transparency in service delivery rollouts.

While ZETDC's push for prepaid meters aligns with modern energy management strategies, stakeholders warn that lack of consultation could undermine public trust and disrupt essential services such as street lighting and safety.

The controversy underscores the need for clear communication, shared planning, and stakeholder buy-in when implementing infrastructure upgrades that affect communities directly.