Load shedding on the horizon as S.A. gives Zesa Holdings until 31 May to settle $43 million debt

South African power company Eskom has given Zesa Holdings until the end of the month to pay off a $43 million debt. Eskom is threatening to cut off 300 megawatts from the power supplied to Zimbabwe on a daily basis. This could result in load shedding as the country is currently using at least 1 400 megawatts on a daily basis. Zesa Holdings also owes Hydro Cahora Bassa of Mozambique $40 million.

Eskom is adamant that the debt should be paid off within the given time and wrote to Zesa Holdings saying:

Kindly note that no further lenience or accommodation will be made in this regard and Eskom will draw down on the guarantee, raise the appropriate interest charges and curtail supply immediately should the balance not align with this proposal as at 31 May 2017.

Commenting on the issue Zesa chief executive Engineer Josh Chifamba said:

We are getting support from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and some of our customers who are into exports, particularly ferro chrome ones,

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We are confident that the issue will be resolved in good time to avert disruption to power supply. It’s under control.

More: Chronicle