By Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze
As the festive season approaches, residents are preparing for a holiday in the darkness, as the 20 hour power blackout continue in most surbubs of the Midlands province.
Small busnisses especially butcheries are closing shops, they are lossing thousands as they need elecitirty to keep their products fresh.
Cabinet minister Edgar Moyo announced that power blackouts, which have already been a significant issue, are expected to continue into the New Year.
This situation arises as repairs on equipment at the Hwange power station are set to begin, further exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis.
The announcement indicates that the current power outages will persist, affecting daily life and holiday celebrations.
Many families in the province are concerned about how these blackouts will impact their festive plans, including gatherings and celebrations.
In a statement Cabinet Minister Edgar Moyo highlighted that “The blackouts are a result of obsolete equipment at the Hwange power generation units, which are critical for the country’s energy supply. The repairs at Hwange are necessary but will take time, leading to prolonged outages”.
“As a result of the old and antiquated equipment in units one to six at Hwange which are working on where we have signed a deal with a company from India –Jindal which is going to start repowering exercise beginning early next year”.
“That is one way of reducing the frequency of those blackouts. Secondly we are getting into the rainy season where we experience lightning, wind our infrastructure is going to be affected. We have been talking of a strategy on how to quickly respond to that.”
Residents express frustration over the lack of reliable power, especially during a season typically filled with joy and celebration.
There are increasing calls for the government to find immediate solutions to the energy crisis to alleviate the burden on citizens.
As Gweru faces a dark festive season, the community is left to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing power blackouts, with hopes for a resolution in the near future.