By Brighton Chiseva
The switch to prepaid electricity meters, a system that requires users to pay for electricity before consumption, has backfired leaving Masvingo government departments in darkness , crippling service delivery and leaving citizens suffering.
Government complexes in Masvingo, including the District Registry, Provincial Registry, Legal Aid Directorate, Prison Services, Ministries of Women Affairs, Labour, Sports, Youth Development, and Public Works among others are facing a severe electricity crisis due to the government’s failure to pay for electricity.
Unlike other departments that have managed to adapt, critical offices such as births and ID offices are severely impacted, as they require electricity to serve the public.
The Public Works department, responsible for maintaining government infrastructure, has also been impacted, despite being responsible for facilitating payments for other departments.
Efforts to get a comment from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, were futile, as his cell went unanswered several times and he texted that he would return the calls, which he never did.
However, Masvingo Public Works Director Peter Muzite confirmed the sad development to TellZim News but said the issue was being addressed.
“It’s true but the matter is being addressed,” he said.
Sources across departments who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity said they relying on generators is not sustainable due to frequent fuel shortages, and these offices are struggling to provide essential services to citizens.
“We rely on generators but it’s not sustainable, we buy fuel using coupons which sometimes runs out and takes time to come. It’s difficult working with a generator,” said one official who refused to be named.
The electricity crisis has hindered service delivery, causing significant inconvenience to citizens who rely on these offices for essential services. Record-keeping, legal proceedings, and administrative tasks have been affected, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the public.
The crisis is part of a larger issue, where government departments have been fingered as major debtors at Masvingo City Council, failing to pay for water they use
Departments such as education, police, and the army are among those that owe the council millions of local currency, further straining the city’s resources and provision of services.
The government’s inability to pay for electricity and water services has raised concerns about its financial management and prioritization of essential services.
The situation is made more dire by the fact that some government offices are operating in deplorable conditions.
The Provincial Registry offices which houses several other government departments once faced infrastructure challenges, where over 100 people were sharing a single toilet, creating inhumane conditions.
This issue was only addressed after TellZim News exposed the situation prompting the public works department to act, highlighting the need for external pressure to prompt government action.
