By Ndumiso Tshuma
Residents of Pumula North in Bulawayo have raised serious concerns over the theft of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) transformers and the manner in which repair processes are being managed.
Many say they are being asked to cover the cost of repairs, which they argue should be the responsibility of ZESA. The issues were raised during a community meeting held at Pumula North Hall on Wednesday.
Ephraim Mpofu, a local resident, said thieves had stolen ZESA wires in the area. In response, residents agreed to contribute US$3 per household to fund replacements.
“We went door to door collecting the money. ZESA officials told us to come on Monday. We did and paid, but they didn’t show up for three or four days,” he said. “When they finally arrived, they brought old wires that had been joined together. We had paid for new wires, not old ones.”
Residents also alleged misconduct and inefficiencies by some ZESA officials, claiming that promised services were either delayed or not delivered in full.
Eliias Nyathi, who is on a fixed ZESA plan, said his household’s transformer was damaged and ZESA instructed residents to pay for repairs. However, he believes the work carried out did not reflect the amount they paid.
“We were told a new pole would be installed and the hole dug should be four to five metres deep,” Nyathi said.
“But ZESA only came to connect a few wires. Although the transformer was eventually fixed, we overpaid for incomplete services. It felt dishonest. I suspect corruption.”
Another resident, Steven Bhebhe, questioned whether it is even legal for residents to fund the purchase of spare parts for ZESA infrastructure.
“Our transformer was damaged, and we were told to buy a replacement. But is it lawful for residents to pay for spare parts? Isn’t that ZESA’s responsibility?” he asked.
A ZESA representative responded during the meeting, explaining that while the utility maintains a spare parts inventory, delays in procurement often prompt communities to contribute directly through a scheme.
“Sometimes, it takes a long time to acquire parts, and residents don’t want to wait. So we introduced the Customer Materials Scheme, which allows residents to pay for parts upfront. These costs are then reimbursed through future electricity bills. For instance, if you pay US$5, your next bill may include that amount,” the representative said.
Addressing allegations of corruption, the ZESA official urged residents to report suspected wrongdoing to the police.
“Our offices do not handle corruption complaints directly. We have a security division called Loss Control, which works closely with the police. Any criminal matters should be reported for investigation,” the official added.
On the issue of reused materials, the official stressed that residents have the right to demand quality service.
“If you pay for new wires and ZESA provides old ones, contact our offices immediately. We are expected to supply new materials as agreed. Anyone requesting payment for a transformer should provide an official quotation from ZESA and the names of those involved,” they said.
“Once materials are purchased, residents can store them at our designated depot, where we’ll register and record the items properly.”
Residents say they will continue to demand transparency and accountability in the delivery of electricity services in their community.