Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has condemned the rollout of prepaid electricity meters on public infrastructure by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), calling it a disastrous policy that threatens public safety and encourages crime.
He criticised ZESA for fitting prepaid meters on tower lights, traffic signals, and streetlights throughout the city. Said Mafume:
“We are discussing with ZESA. There seems to have been a prepaid electricity system gone wild, it looks good on paper to say that you have put a prepaid meter on a tower light or traffic light but it has disastrous effects on the public.”
He said the city is hoping that ongoing talks with ZESA will result in a safer and more sustainable approach.
ZESA, through its power distribution arm ZETDC, began fitting prepaid electricity meters on public streetlights and tower lights back in June.
The utility said the move is meant to improve service delivery, cut losses, and make sure local councils pay for the power they use.
ZETDC also said councils were first informed about the plan in June 2024, with reminders sent out in May this year.
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