THE Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced the rollout of prepaid electricity meter installations in Hwange’s Ingagula suburb, a move immediately criticised by residents who have been waiting for years to be relocated from an area declared unsafe due to pollution.
In a notice titled Notice of commencement of prepayment meter installation, ZETDC senior customer service officer Simon Dube stated that the initiative follows resolutions made at a recent meeting with the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).
The project will shift the area from a bulk metering system to individual prepaid meters.
“Our team will commence the installation of prepayment meters — starting November 25, 2025,” the notice read.
It requested that residents and stakeholders notify employees and offer “full co-operation — to ensure a smooth and efficient transition”.
However, the announcement has been met with frustration by the community.
Greater Hwange Residents Trust co-ordinator Fidelis Chima linked the meter installation to the long-stalled relocation of Ingagula residents.
“We are worried by this move as it shows that ZPC is not willing to remove the Ingagula residents from an environment that was condemned,”Chima said.
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He referenced a report from the Environment Management Agency which found that pollution levels exceeded standards set by the World Health Organisation and the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.
For years, Ingagula residents have awaited evacuation to a pollution-free area, away from the health hazards caused by nearby mining activities.
Authorities are yet to act on the relocation, making the prepaid meter initiative a point of contention for a community demanding action on their environmental and health concerns.
