"This Is Not The Time For Political Banter," Chasi Urges Citizens To Pay Bills

Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi yesterday said that everyone needs to pay bills to power utility Zesa for it to deliver on its duties and responsibilities.

Responding to questions at a post-Cabinet Press briefing last night, Chasi said that Zesa was hamstrung by a creditors list which has top politicians across the divide and State entities. He said:

We just have to pay. This is not the time for political banter or what. We have to pay. Zesa is a commercial entity which needs to survive. It is owed in excess of $1,1 billion. Yes, today the Minister of Finance (Mthuli Ncube) has indicated that he would pay ZWL$20 million owed by government departments. That is a drop in the ocean.

The advocate also said that Zesa has to service its US$80 million external debt to Mozambique and Eskom of South Africa. He indicated that Cabinet had agreed to pay at least US$10 million to ensure a continued supply of energy.

Chasi also said that if everyone would pay their debts, Zesa will be able to service its own debts. He said:

We need to pay our debts. There is no quick fix here. We are getting about 50 megawatts (MW) from Eskom of South Africa. If we pay, we are able to get something in the region of 400MW.

If there is anything that should unite us at this moment, it is power. This is a national crisis and we must solve it as a collective.

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