A storm is brewing at the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) southern region as contractors supplying hired vehicles claim they have gone for seven months without payment, with arrears now estimated around US$1 million or ZiG 27 million using the interbank rate.
The revelations come barely two months after more than 30 contract workers in the western region downed tools in protest over what they called unfair labour practices and delayed payments.
Despite the protest, some contractors who spoke to Southern Eye said nothing has changed thus far.
“We last received payment in February 2025,” one frustrated contractor told this publication.
“We have been resilient for too long, but it’s high time our money is paid. Right now, we are operating on empty.”
The contractors, who provide more than 50 vehicles for ZETDC southern region operations which covers Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo provinces, further indicated that the lack of payment has crippled their operations.
They noted that many can no longer pay drivers, carry routine service and maintenance of vehicles let alone renew their comprehensive insurance cover.
“Spare parts are only available in US dollars, yet Zesa pays us in local currency. It’s like they expect us to perform miracles,” another contractor said.
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Despite repeated attempts at engagements with management, contractors say they have been met with deafening silence.
“We have knocked on every door, but no one is listening."
Industry insiders warned that the dispute could soon cripple Zesa’s ability to respond to faults, maintain infrastructure, and deliver power to thousands of households and businesses in the region.
However, in a twist of events, some contractors now accuse the utility’s management of sabotaging national goals.
“It almost feels like someone is working against Vision 2030 from within," said another contractor.
“We cannot build the nation if we are not paid.
"This will derail inclusive economic growth and increase poverty rates as the contractors, their workers and immediate families face a difficult time in meeting their financial obligations.”
Zesa southern region general manager, Shepherd Dadi, refused to comment on the matter.
The standoff threatens to deepen public frustration with Zesa, already under fire for frequent power cuts and load-shedding.
