Zimbabwe’s parliament experienced a power cut during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech, reflecting the country’s ongoing energy crisis due to drought affecting hydroelectric production. George Manyaya of Zesa indicated the blackout was caused by a lightning strike, despite parliament’s dedicated power supply. Ncube projected a contraction in agriculture by 15% this year but anticipated a 6% economic growth next year, contingent on improved rainfall.
During a significant budget address by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s parliament experienced an unexpected power outage, casting darkness over key government figures, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. The blackout was indicative of the widespread energy challenges currently facing Zimbabwe due to an ongoing drought impacting hydroelectric production at Kariba Dam, the nation’s primary power source.
George Manyaya, a representative from the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa), clarified that this particular blackout was unplanned and attributed to a lightning strike, notwithstanding parliament’s supposed exemption from power interruptions due to its dedicated electricity supply. Minister Ncube had just warned that the agricultural sector would shrink by 15% this year because of the drought, yet he optimistically projected a 6% economic growth for the following year, contingent upon anticipated above-average rainfall that could improve electricity generation.
Zimbabwe is currently grappling with severe energy shortages characterized by regular 12-hour blackouts. These outages stem from a prolonged drought that has significantly reduced water levels at the Kariba Dam, which is responsible for the bulk of the nation’s electricity production. As such, the situation has created challenges for various sectors, particularly agriculture, which relies heavily on stable weather conditions and reliable energy supply. The power outages reflect not only the current energy crisis but also highlight the broader socio-economic struggles within the country.
In summary, the power outage during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech underscores the significant energy challenges that Zimbabwe faces. While projections for future economic growth exist, they hinge on favorable weather conditions and improvements in electricity supply. This incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for solutions to address Zimbabwe’s energy crisis and the broader economic implications that it entails.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
