Eskom: “No Payment Been Received From Zimbabwe”

Eskom said in a statement on Friday that it was yet to receive any money from Zimbabwe as of 15:00 on Friday.

Things have worsened in Zimbabwe. As the power crisis in the country has reached worrying heights, with load shedding schedules running up to 18 hours a day in some areas.

Energy Minister, Fortune Chasi, this week revealed that the country had recently made a significant payment to the power utility. This, according to Chasi, was an effort to clear the country’s debt to Eskom.

Energy Minister revealed that the country had made a payment of R144-million to the power utility. This, after impending engagements with the power utility, would allow the passage of 400 megawatts into the country’s grid.

Zesa is producing 1200MW as of Sunday, needs at least 1700MW per day to meet demand. Over the years it has relied on Eskom and Mozambique’s HCB for additional power.

Eskom group CEO Phakamani Hadebe, however, indicated in the latest statement that only once Eskom has received the funds, will it then enter into further discussions with Zesa.