Substation fault hits national grid

A MAJOR technical fault at the Insukamini substation in Bulawayo triggered countrywide loss of power early yesterday resulting in a loss of production time by business, which lasted up to noon.

Several businesses including small to medium enterprises failed to commence operations as a result of the power outage save for those with generators who however said they incurred huge costs. Motorists also had a torrid time driving through busy intersections in the morning as all traffic lights were not functioning. ZESA confirmed the loss of power. “ZESA Holdings would like to inform its valued customers that the national grid experienced a system surge this morning at 05.22hrs, which was triggered by a busbar fault at the Insukamini 330kv substation in Bulawayo,” said the power utility in a statement.

“This led to a loss of power in the national grid. Power has since been restored to most parts of the country and our technical teams are on the ground to ensure full restoration of service in the shortest time.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries Matabeleland Chapter president, Mr Joseph Gunda, said the power outage crippled industrial operations, particularly in Bulawayo as most industries had to shut down.

He said most of industries do not have alternative power hence could not operate during the power outage.

“There are not many companies that have big generators that can power heavy machinery. We have followed up with ZESA and they are talking of a power problem at Insukamini,” said Mr Gunda.

Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs programmes coordinator Mr Nketa Mangoye Dlamini said the electricity outage experienced yesterday adversely affected most SMEs.

He said loss of few production hours means a lot to SMEs who have to meet set times to deliver orders.

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