Zimbabweans have reacted angrily to revelations that some Cabinet ministers, senior state officials and lawmakers have run up massive bills with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority which has not shut off their power for delinquency.
Observers noted that poor people owing ZESA as little as US$30 often have their power cut off, and say ZESA must disconnect power to defaulters including Manicaland Governor Christopher Mushowe, who is said to owe US$145,000.
ZESA said it is owed US$537 million by companies and consumers even as Mozambique is threatening to cut off power supplies over a US$90 million debt for imports.
Bulawayo resident Clemency said ministers, senior state officials and lawmakers owing ZESA huge sums of money should be forced to pay their bills.
Parliamentary Energy Committee Chairman Edward Chindori Chindinga said it is puzzling that ZESA has failed to cut off power supplies to high-profile delinquents.
Lawmaker Thandeko Zinti Mnkandla said non-payment by officials is disgraceful.
“These people must lead by example and power supplies must be cut off to their homes if they do not pay ZESA bills,” Mnkandla said.
