The energy crisis in Zimbabwe

Polling Stations in the Dark. Image credit mg.co.za

The energy crisis in Zimbabwe is demonstrated through the following:

• Frequent shortages of petroleum and its products resulting in long queues for the scarce commodity at service stations.
• Fluctuating prices in the process of petroleum and its products.
• Higher prices on petroleum products when compared to prices in other countries
• Rationing of these products.
• Lateness at work due to transport problems which lead to reduced economic performances as a result
• Due to extensive rural electrification and
• A surge in urban population
• Demand for electricity has exceeded by production
• This increase in demand is counteracted by the closure of most industries
• However Zimbabwe still produces less than half of the electricity need
• This has led to planned or unplanned power cuts/ load shedding by ZESA.
• Households going without crucial meals as a result.
• People walking long distances in communal areas to fetch firewood.
• Poaching of firewood leading to social conflicts.
• Massive deforestation in rural and peri-urban areas.

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