Zimbabwe: Power cuts continue as of mid-December /update 2

Event

Power shortages are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks across Zimbabwe. This is due to an ongoing drought, which has resulted in low water levels at Kariba Power Station, located at the border with Zambia. The situation has been worsened by limited import capacities as South Africa's Eskom public utility company, which is the region's biggest supplier, is experiencing significant difficulties to provide enough power capacity. Severe load shedding plans have been put in place across the country. Further information can be found on the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) website here. 

Associated transportation, business, and power disruptions are expected in the coming weeks. 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.