Zimbabwe: Further power cuts expected October 17 /update 1

Event

The Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC) warned on Wednesday, October 16, that power shortages are likely to continue in the coming days due to rolling blackouts implemented by South Africa’s Eskom Holdings public utility company. Load shedding planned for Thursday, October 17, by Eskom is expected to affect imports to Zimbabwe. Similar rolling blackouts will be in effect for Zimbabwe due to the decrease in imports and ongoing shortages caused by vandalism and low water levels at Kariba Power Station. According to ZETDC, load shedding will take place during peak hours between 05:00-10:00 (local time) and 17:00-22:00; however, blackout durations may be longer than initially planned to avoid collapsing the National Grid. Further information can be found on the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) website here. 

Further power disruptions are possible over the coming days. Associated transportation, business, and power disruptions are expected throughout Thursday. Demonstrations are also possible if power disruptions persist over the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to monitor developments to the situation, conserve power on battery-operated devices and keep them fully charged when possible, anticipate transportation and commercial disruptions, to be cautious when driving or crossing streets if traffic signals are not functioning, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.