Liberty Dube
The area has had no electric power for more than 50 days,
and tourism operators say the development is threatening the viability of their
businesses.
World-class hotels such as Leopard Rock and Forest Hills as
well as several bed and breakfast facilities are being affected by the power
black-out.
Due to this, the tourism economy in Vumba could take a hit
at a time the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality is pushing for a US$5 billion
tourism economy by the end of next year.
With the continued black-out, revenue flows have drastically
dropped and some business owners may scale down operations.
Last week, ZETDC issued a public notice saying some power
lines were stolen, while some faults were experienced due to the heavy rains
that saw 12 poles falling.
Power is expected back this week.
“Areas affected by this fault include Vumba, Burma Valley,
Fern Valley and Zimunya. The utility wishes to update the public the extent of
the fault as follows, 5km of 11kv line feeding the said area was stolen.
“The area experienced numerous faults caused by heavy rains
and 12 poles fell down and need to be replaced.
"There have been numerous efforts to resolve the issue.
While we had initiated our normal procurement process and were ready to restore
supplies, there was another case of vandalism of a transformer in Vumba, which
led to the arrest of two men from Odzi. They are now appearing before the
criminal courts," said the national power utility.
Some critical materials to re-power the affected areas have
since been sourced and commencement of the work has been initiated, with
customers advised to "expect restoration of service by mid next (this)
week" reads part of the statement.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Brian
Nyakutombwa said the blackout was affecting business.
"It is a very big inconvenience for business as
conveniences that come with electricity are gone. Power is a basic commodity.
It is actually a necessity.
“Imagine running generators all day and night!" said Mr
Nyakutombwa.
Forest Hills Hotel director, Mrs Margaret Makadzange said:
"It has been a terrible experience. We have had no power since late last
year and it is affecting everything. It is affecting business on all fronts,
from security to the guests.
"We actually spent the whole festive season without
electricity. Now we have gone for 50 days with no electricity."
But Tourism and Hospitality analyst, Mr Lloyd Makonya, said
tourism operators should consider alternative and sustainable sources of energy
such as solar, hydro and wind energy.
"Renewable energy technologies have gained significant
attention as a means to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the tourism sector.
"The use of renewable energy technologies such as solar
photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and biomass energy, offer energy
independence, sustainability and environmentally friendly alternatives to
conventional energy sources.
"The greatest challenge for most operators will be the
set-up costs, a predicament in which the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe
should lobby Government for support policies and infrastructure to help sustain
tourism businesses and improve the energy situation," he said.
In the long term, added Mr Makonya, the benefits are the reduction of over-reliance on traditional energy sources, lower emissions, minimal environmental impact and generation of long-term cost savings.