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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
LEGISLATORS have called on Zimbabweans to use alternative sources of energy as part of measures to deal with the challenge of power that has plagued Zesa Holdings. The lawmakers noted that the power utility was struggling to offer optimal service to the public owing to a myriad of challenges, chief among them being the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West.

This came out in the National Assembly yesterday during a motion moved by Tafara/Mabvuku MP, Mr James Maridadi (MDC-T), expressing concern on the intermittent power cuts by Zesa.

Chegutu West Member of National Assembly Cde Dexter Nduna (Zanu-PF) said it was high time the country followed international trends of moving away from too mush reliance on conventional energy to renewable forms.

“Other countries have moved away from this and are now using other methods of energy like gas.

“Our people should not continue using electricity unnecessarily which they would not be able to pay for at the end of the day,” said Cde Nduna.

Non-Constituency Member of National Assembly Cde Anastancia Ndhlovu (Zanu-PF) said there was need to consider other sources of energy such as solar.

“I would like to suggest that we invest in renewable energy like solar, we have plenty of sunlight,” said Cde Ndhlovu.

Zaka Central MP Cde Paradzai Chakona (Zanu-PF), said the world over capital projects such as the  construction of power stations had been done by multilateral agencies.

This, he said, could not be done in Zimbabwe owing to the sanctions the country has to contend with, particularly on projects such as Batoka Gorge and refurbishment of Hwange power station.

“For instance, where a country is under sanctions it cannot access those kind of funds or facilities to construct or expand any power generation projects.

“I think instead of members continuing to complain about power outages, let us join hands in calling for the lifting of sanctions in this country so that we can access money from these institutions that can give meaningful finances to this country for the construction of power stations,” he said.

Pumula MP Mr Albert Mhlanga (MDC-T), implored the Government to remove a ban on sale of firewood.

“Let people be allowed to sell firewood. Electricity has been replaced by firewood,” he said.
Bulawayo South MP, Mr Eddie Cross (MDC-T) irked Zanu-PF legislators when he said sanctions had not affected operations at Zesa.

“There is absolutely no sanctions on the importation of spares for electricity.

“There has been no maintenance of the infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Cross said that the talk of sanctions was meant to draw political scores, drawing jeering and booing from Zanu-PF legislators.

Legislators are expected to resume debate on that motion on December 3 following the adjournment of the House to that date.