Zimbabwe’s parliament experienced a power outage during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech, affecting officials including President Mnangagwa. The outage, attributed to a lightning strike, highlighted the country’s ongoing energy crisis, driven by drought and the Kariba Dam’s limited capacity. While the agricultural sector is set to contract by 15%, Ncube predicts a 6% economic growth next year due to improved rainfall forecasts.
During a crucial moment in Zimbabwe’s parliament, a sudden power outage interrupted Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech, casting officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, into darkness. The blackout is indicative of the persistent energy crisis facing Zimbabwe, characterized by daily twelve-hour outages resulting from a severe drought impacting the country’s primary energy source, the Kariba Dam. George Manyaya, spokesman for the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa), clarified that the blackout was not pre-arranged; it occurred unexpectedly due to a lightning strike despite parliament’s dedicated power supply intended to prevent such outages. During his address, Minister Ncube warned of a projected 15% contraction in the agricultural sector due to the ongoing drought but optimistic forecasts predict a 6% economic growth next year driven by anticipated above-normal rainfall, potentially alleviating some of the electricity supply challenges.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a noticeable energy crisis marked by frequent power outages that have become a daily disruptor for its citizens and institutions. The crisis has been exacerbated by environmental factors such as prolonged droughts severely affecting the Kariba Dam, which is vital for the country’s electricity generation. Such challenges create significant implications not only for the economy but also for the political landscape, especially during crucial governmental events like budget speeches.
The unexpected power outage during Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech encapsulates the severe energy challenges that Zimbabwe faces today. Despite the difficulties posed by drought and power shortages, there remains a glimmer of hope with forecasts of economic recovery based on favorable weather conditions in the forthcoming year. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive energy solutions in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
