Zimbabwe Parliament Experiences Power Cut During Budget Speech Repercussions
Zimbabwe’s parliament was plunged into darkness during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech due to an unexpected power outage. This incident highlights the ongoing energy crisis in the country, exacerbated by a severe drought affecting power generation at the Kariba Dam. A Zesa spokesperson explained that the blackout was caused by a lightning strike, despite parliament typically having its own electricity supply. Ncube forecasted a contraction in agriculture this year, yet expects a 6% economic growth next year with better rainfall.
During a budget speech by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s parliament experienced a sudden power outage, plunging the hall into darkness. Prominent officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, were present as the lights flickered and ultimately failed. This incident highlights the ongoing energy crisis in Zimbabwe, attributed to severe drought conditions severely impacting power generation at the Kariba Dam, the country’s primary energy source.
According to George Manyaya, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa), this specific blackout was unplanned, despite parliament typically having dedicated electricity supplies insulated from power cuts. He clarified that the outage resulted from a lightning strike rather than standard power management.
Minister Ncube, prior to the blackout, projected a contraction of 15% in the agricultural sector due to the drought but expressed optimism for the economy, forecasting a 6% growth next year, contingent upon anticipated above-average rainfall that could subsequently enhance electricity supply.
The power crisis in Zimbabwe is a critical challenge that has persisted for years, stemming largely from a significant decrease in water levels at the Kariba Dam due to prolonged drought. The current situation involves widespread blackouts, averaging 12 hours daily, greatly affecting various sectors and everyday life. The government has made efforts to address energy shortages, but frequent outages underscore the urgency for sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure improvements. The recent incident during a high-profile budget announcement exemplifies the severe impact of energy woes on national governance and economic planning. With key governmental figures in attendance, the blackout notably drew attention to the state of the country’s energy supply and reliability amid pressing economic concerns.
The unforeseen power cut during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech underscores the critical energy challenges currently facing Zimbabwe. The blackout has implications not only for administrative functions but also directly ties into the country’s economic health, particularly its agricultural sector’s struggles due to drought. Looking ahead, the government remains hopeful for an economic rebound with anticipated rainfall, but immediate efforts are needed to stabilize the energy supply and mitigate frequent outages.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
