Ward 9 Councillor Donaldson Mabutho has revealed plans by the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to install prepaid meters on street tower lights.
This move has sparked concerns about its impact on residents in urban areas.
Councillor Mabutho disclosed during an interview on The Breakfast Club while discussing matters related to his ward.
Streetlights are widely used to illuminate large areas like highways, intersections, sports facilities, and industrial zones. In Zimbabwe, their introduction aimed to improve visibility and security in high-traffic areas.
Initially, streetlights relied on traditional energy sources like grid electricity. However, advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability have led to a shift towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives.
While the City of Bulawayo has not yet received an official report, plans for prepaid meters are reportedly underway.
“I was surprised to hear about this,” said Councillor Mabutho. “We haven’t seen an official report yet. The Town Clerk mentioned ZESA’s plans to install meters on our tower lights. As a member of the engineering committee, I’m waiting for the report from our director. The City Council owns these tower lights. ZESA wants to meter them for electricity usage.
“We need to buy electricity to light our areas. Frankly, there needs to be honest discussions about this. As a nation, we can’t implement this.”
Councillor Mabutho emphasised the critical role of streetlights in communities.
“They deter robberies,” he explained. “Well-lit areas discourage criminal activity. We’ve had cases where people lost their lives because a malfunctioning streetlight provided cover for robbers.”
While expressing concern about the proposal, Councillor Mabutho assured residents that the council would engage in constructive dialogue with ZESA.
“We haven’t informed residents because the report hasn’t been officially presented to the council yet,” he said. “I only heard rumours about ZESA’s plans. We will address this issue when the report arrives.
“Honestly, there will be chaos in Bulawayo if this is implemented. I know we will engage with our capable executive and council members to have meaningful discussions with ZESA to stop this,” he concluded.
