By Virginia Njovo
As electrical fault cases increase in Zimbabwe, Masvingo province included, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has raised concern on the failure to follow safety regulations as the major driver behind the problem.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 17, 2024 at Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo, the regulatory board highlighted that some of the regulations were impractical.
Victor Sibanda who was chairing the programme indicated that the failure to do house inspections by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) after every ten years poses risk to property owners.
“If we look at it, the last inspection was held in 2014 and now is the time when property owners should do re-inspection to ensure safety from electricity. In most cases some of these properties are not inspected as it is the duty of property owners to engage Zesa and not vice-versa,” said Sibanda.
In Masvingo within a period of one month, a boarding facility that housed Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) students was destroyed by fire due to a suspected electrical fault, while a Midlands State University (MSU) Zvishavane Campus hostel was also reduced to ashes.
Sibanda added that after wiring premises, it was better for the artisan to issue a certificate for reference sake and also lamented poor electrical works, fitting and installations.
“It would be better if there will be certification after wiring the house so that there is a traceable reference.
“Works and installations are deemed to be electrically unsafe if conducted in places that prevent accidents. Works and installations are also electrically unsafe when the equipment and materials used for works and installations have defects.
“They are considered to be unsafe when standard colour coding of equipment conductors or cables is not adhered as follows: red phase one, yellow phase two, blue phase three and black neutral,” he said.
While on repurposing of electrical appliances, he encouraged property owners to ensure that the work is carried out by competent people as specificified in Section 3 of these regulations.
He said if these regulations are adhered to, there is assurance that risks of electrical fault fires can be reduced.
