Power Outage Disrupts Zimbabwe Parliament During Budget Address

During Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech, Zimbabwe’s parliament suffered a power cut, plunging it into darkness as officials, including President Mnangagwa, were present. The blackout, attributed to a lightning strike, reflects the country’s ongoing energy crisis, driven by severe drought impacting its primary power source, the Kariba Dam. While the agricultural sector is set to contract, Ncube forecasts a 6% economic growth next year dependent on improved rainfall.

The Zimbabwean parliament experienced an unexpected power outage during the concluding moments of Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget presentation. The sudden darkness not only interrupted the proceedings but also affected high-ranking officials in attendance, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. This blackout underscores the significant power crisis facing the nation, which is currently subjected to daily energy shortages lasting up to twelve hours due to severe drought conditions impacting the Kariba Dam, Zimbabwe’s principal source of electricity.

George Manyaya, a representative of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa), indicated that the outage was unanticipated and that parliament typically benefits from a dedicated electricity supply that is insulated from such interruptions. However, he attributed this specific black out to the effects of a lightning strike.

In his speech, Minister Ncube highlighted the adverse effects of the drought on the agricultural sector, predicting a contraction of 15% in production for the year. Despite this discouraging forecast, he expressed optimism about the economy, projecting a 6% growth in the following year, contingent upon expectations of above-average rainfall, which could enhance electricity generation as well.

Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis linked to frequent and prolonged power outages. The primary cause of this situation is a severe drought that has critically reduced water levels at the Kariba Dam, which is pivotal for the country’s electricity supply. Daily power cuts, lasting up to twelve hours, have become commonplace, dramatically affecting both ordinary citizens and governmental operations. The recent power outage during a significant parliamentary budget address highlights the urgency of addressing the country’s energy challenges and the impact of environmental conditions on the economy.

The unexpected power outage in the Zimbabwean parliament during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing energy crisis afflicting the nation. As the agricultural sector braces for a significant downturn due to drought, the government’s forecasts for economic recovery are largely dependent on improving weather patterns and subsequent enhancements in electricity generation. This situation calls for urgent attention to address the underlying causes of power shortages and to secure a more stable energy future for Zimbabwe.

Original Source: www.bbc.com