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CHRA
applauds Energy Minister's decision
Combined Harare
Residents Association (CHRA)
February 25, 2009
The Combined
Harare Residents Association (CHRA) applauds the decision made by
the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Elias Mudzuri to freeze
all electricity disconnections over outstanding payments until the
15th of March 2009.
CHRA offices
had become flooded with reports of power disconnections over unpaid
bills. Residents are failing to pay their electricity bills because
the tariffs are too exorbitant and therefore beyond the affordability
of many. Reports from Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana indicate that residents
are being asked to pay an average of US$25 (R250) per month per
household. Furthermore, ZESA has not been sending bill statements
to residents while meter readings are not being conducted.
CHRA welcomes
Minister Mudzuri's move as it will ease the burden on residents
who are already struggling with the current harsh socio-economic
environment. The Association however feels the Minister must ensure
that;
- The decision
to freeze and reverse disconnections is implemented forthwith.
- There are
some areas where residents have gone for more than three months
without electricity due to faulty transformers. The Association
feels that such residents should be exempted from paying the $10
flat fee until the transformers have been fixed and power supplies
are reconnected.
- Residents
across the nation are consulted in the process of deciding on
the electricity tariffs.
- The electricity
tariffs to be arrived at are affordable and reflective of the
socio-economic strata.
- Meter readings
are conducted rather than basing the charges on estimates.
- ZESA should
ensure that residents receive their monthly bill statements in
time.
- Efforts
should be made to provide electricity to certain areas that have
been without electricity for some time now.
CHRA will continue
to advocate and lobby for an accountable local governance system
that provides quality and affordable service delivery on a non partisan
basis.
Visit the CHRA
fact
sheet
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