The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is investigating an incident in Hwange where three villagers suffered electric shock after touching fallen ZESA power lines.
One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy, died from his injuries at the United Bulawayo Hospitals while receiving treatment. The other two victims are still in the hospital.
ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani told Southern Eye that the initial report from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company suggested the incident was not fatal. Said Mazambani:
<blockquote>
The authority then met with the mother of the now-deceased at United Bulawayo Hospitals while the victim was still being treated.
The authority will be travelling to Hwange this week for the investigation.
The authority is conducting public awareness campaigns in rural communities to educate members of the public to desist from getting into contact with fallen electric conductors and poles.
We are also engaging the utility to ensure that it carries out routine maintenance on its infrastructure.
</blockquote>
Villagers reported that the power lines had been lying on the ground for over three years, and the situation had been brought to the attention of the authorities several times, but nothing had been done to address the issue.
Ward 12 Nakabandana councillor Jowan Chuma placed the blame for the teenager’s death squarely on the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company and accused the power utility of negligence.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039779/zera-investigates-hwange-electrocution-incident">Southern Eye</a>

Pindula News

ZERA is looking into an accident in Hwange where 3 people got shocked by ZESA power lines. One of them, a 17-year-old boy, passed away. The other 2 are still in the hospital. ZERA is checking the situation and advising people to stay away from fallen power lines. The villagers had complained about the lines being on the ground for years but nothing was done. A councilor blamed the power company for the boy's death. ZERA will investigate the incident further and is working to make sure power lines are safe.

ZERA Probes Electrocution Incident In Hwange

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has shut down more than 70 unlicensed fuel stations suspected of selling petroleum products from unauthorised suppliers and failing to meet regulatory standards.
Between January and July of this year, over 130 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retail sites operating without the necessary licenses were also closed.
In a recent interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zera-shuts-down-73-unlicensed-fuel-stations">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZERA chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said that unlicensed fuel retailers faced fines ranging from US$200 to US$700 while unlicensed LPG retailers were fined between US$30 and US$600. Said Mazambani:
<blockquote>
Seventy-three liquid and 136 LPG retail sites have been closed and prosecuted for operating without the requisite petroleum retail licences from January to July 2024.
The penalties have ranged from US$200 to US$700 for liquid fuels and US$30 to US$600 for LPG. The fines are based on the Petroleum Act of 2006 which provides the maximum fine as Level 9.
ZERA, however, feels the fines are low and is working with relevant Government agencies to make the fines stiffer and more deterrent to ensure that operators do not repeat the same offence.
At the same time, we are also developing a system for spot fines, which will quicken the enforcement process and impose stiffer penalties.
</blockquote>
Mazambani said ZERA employs various methods to identify unlicensed fuel stations, including surprise inspections, market surveillance, and partnerships with law enforcement.
He added that these sites not only breach the law but often obtain fuel from unauthorised suppliers, failing to meet safety and infrastructure standards, which poses risks to vehicle owners.
ZERA works with several government agencies, including the Ministry of Energy and Power Development and the Attorney-General’s Office, to enforce compliance with licensing regulations and ensure a safe energy sector.
ZERA also conducts joint compliance fieldwork with the police and maintains strong relationships with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), as well as local authorities for inspections and enforcement.
The number of fuel stations in Zimbabwe has surged in recent years. In 2012, there were 299 licensed stations, but by 2023, this number had soared to 1,048 licensed operators.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) closed 73 fuel stations and 130 LPG sites for not having proper licenses. The fines for unlicensed fuel stations range from US$200 to US$700, and for LPG sites from US$30 to US$600. ZERA wants to make the fines stricter to prevent repeat offenses. They look for unlicensed stations through surprise checks and work with other agencies like the police. These unlicensed stations pose risks to vehicle owners. The number of fuel stations in Zimbabwe has increased from 299 in 2012 to 1,048 in 2023.

73 Unlicensed Fuel Service Stations Shut Down

Some fuel dealers have reportedly defied a government directive and continue to sell unleaded and toxic fuel in violation of the law.
The government banned the sale of unleaded petrol, effective September 1, 2024, by introducing Statutory Instrument 150 of 2024, which provides the mandatory blending of anhydrous ethanol with petrol.
However, a snap survey conducted this week by <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/toxic-fuel-floods-zim/">Business Times</a> revealed that several service stations including Puma, Trek, Zuva and Redan outlets have defied the government directive and are still selling unleaded petrol.
In contrast, Total Energies, Engen and Glow service stations have complied with the law.
In an interview with Business Times, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) CEO Edington Mazambani said that the regulatory body conducts random inspections to ensure fuel dealers’ compliance with regulations.
These unannounced checks aim to maintain standards and prevent malpractice in the fuel industry. Mazambani said:
<blockquote>
Government has not relaxed the fuel blending regulations. All fuel transported through the pipeline is blended before upliftment from either Feruka or Msasa depots.
ZERA, through fuel quality compliance checks, on the adherence to specifications as provided in fuel quality regulations.
</blockquote>
Mazambani said ZERA was intensifying its crackdown on fuel companies and was taking measures to make punishment for offenders more deterrent. He said:
<blockquote>
ZERA is sharpening enforcement and regulatory tools by initiating, developing and reviewing fuel quality standards and regulations to make punishments more deterrent.
ZERA is increasing its monitoring and enforcement capacity by establishing and adequately manning regional offices to increase the frequency of random testing and responsiveness to complaints.
ZERA is working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to enforce fuel quality regulations through site closures and arrests of operators.
</blockquote>
Mazambani also said ZERA has resolved to name and shame fuel service stations found to have contaminated fuel. He said:
<blockquote>
ZERA has always conducted fuel quality monitoring in the market with zero tolerance for fuel contamination and adulteration.
The naming of those service stations caught with contaminated fuel is meant to raise consumer awareness and encourage service stations to comply with set fuel quality standards and specifications.
The problem is not limited to Harare alone. The list published shows companies caught and prosecuted so far between January and June 2024 country wide covering Quarters 1 and 2 of the year.
Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Ruwa, and Marondera each had sites prosecuted in the period. Harare has more than 50% of the total fuel retail sites in the country and this also shows in the statistics of convictions.
ZERA shall be publishing the lists of convicted retail sites countrywide at the end of Quarter 3 in September 2024 upon finalisation of their cases.
</blockquote>
Last month, ZERA took decisive action against non-compliant fuel stations. The authority convicted and fined 12 stations for selling contaminated fuel, while also revoking the operating license of one establishment.
ZERA has expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in toxic or contaminated fuel infiltrating the Zimbabwean market, describing the current levels as unprecedented.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Some fuel dealers in Zimbabwe are still selling toxic fuel, even though the government banned unleaded petrol and requires fuel to be blended with ethanol since September 2024. Some stations are following the law, but others are not. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority is cracking down on non-compliant stations and taking measures to punish offenders. They are also naming and shaming stations found to have contaminated fuel. The problem is not just in Harare, but also in other cities. The authority has already fined some stations and revoked the license of one. They are concerned about the high levels of toxic fuel in the market.

Toxic Fuel Floods Zimbabwe As Fuel Firms Defy Government

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says at least 300MW worth of generators are registered with the agency in accordance with the country’s laws.
In emailed responses to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zera-registers-300mw-worth-of-generators/">ZimLive</a>, ZERA chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said owners of standby generators of 100KW and above should register them as is required by the law and allow for safety inspections. He said:
<blockquote>
The authority has been registering all owners of standby generating equipment with a capacity of 100KW and above and in terms of the Electricity Act (2002) chapter 13.19 and Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008 at no cost.
To date, there is a combined estimate of 300MW worth of registered generators.
Registration is ongoing, and this exercise is to ensure the safety of the public and employees in the electricity supply industry.
</blockquote>
ZERA recently issued a statement saying standby generators or generating equipment with a capacity of 100kW and above should be registered.
The quasi-state entity said this is to ensure public safety in the operation of the grid and in particular, prevent the danger posed to Electricity Supply Industry employees from the possibility of back-feeding of power into the grid from generators during outages and maintenance.
The statement was in response to claims that ZERA and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) were imposing fines of ZWL$100 000 on businesses and households for running generators without emission licences.

ZERA Says 300MW Worth Of Standby Generators Are Registered

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says the launch of fuel service stations selling the product in local currency is in its preliminary stages.
Currently, fule is being sold exclusively in foreign currency even though the majority of workers including civil servants receive salaries in RTGS dollars.
Responding to written questions from Chronicle, ZERA chief executive officer, Edington Mazambani, said 57 fuel stations were targeted for the initial phase of the local currency fuel.
He said the number of the outlets will increase or decrease based on how the pilot stage pans out. Said Mazambani:
<blockquote>
The rollout of selling local currency priced fuel at specific service stations is in its preliminary stages. We are provisionally starting off with 57 service stations.
The number may, however, increase or decrease based on how this pilot stage turns out.
</blockquote>
Mazambani said measures will be put in place to ensure that service stations that get funds from the central bank to enable them to sell fuel in Zimbabwe dollars do not divert it thereby prejudicing motorists. He added:
<blockquote>
The availability of locally priced fuel relies solely on the allocation the service stations get during the RBZ auction of foreign currency.
As ZERA, we have compliance checks and reconciliation exercises to ensure the beneficiaries of this facility do not abuse it and ensure the availability of the locally priced fuel.
</blockquote>
Chronicle quoted a source as saying eight stations have been identified to sell fuel in local currency in Bulawayo and Engen is one of them. Said the source:
<blockquote>
However, for other stations, the list will be announced in due course as the programme is still being fine-tuned.
It will be improper to identify service stations before all the modalities have been finalised. Some of them have not even received their allocations.
</blockquote>
Engen Mzilikazi, Engen North End, Engen Nkulumane and Engen Magwegwe are said to be some of the stations that would be selling fuel in local currency.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/57-service-stations-offer-zim-dollar-fuel/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Zim Dollar Fuel Rollout At Preparatory Stage - ZERA

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says all fuel service stations that buy fuel using Zimbabwe dollars are obliged to accept all forms of payment including mobile money from motorists.
However, the energy regulator said service stations that source fuel using their own offshore funds are allowed to charge fuel in foreign currency only. ZERA Chief Executive Officer Eddington Mazambani said:
<blockquote>It is illegal to refuse to accept all forms of payment (if fuel was purchased using local currency) and ZERA is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance in the sector.
Only operators who would have used their own offshore funds to source fuel from the traders may sell the product in the currency of their choice.</blockquote>
Mazambani said blending on all fuel imports was saving the country about 20 per cent scarce foreign currency which would have been paid to fuel traders.
He said fuel blending is a government programme which dovetails with regional and global trends as countries are shifting towards cleaner, renewable and environmentally friendly fuels.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zera-law-enforcement-agencies-to-rein-in-errant-service-stations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

ZERA Warns Errant Fuel Service Stations

Zimbabwe is set to host the  Regional Energy Regulators Association summit in Victoria Falls next month, ZBC news reports. This was revealed by ZERA’s CEO Edington Mazambani, who said:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe is proud to be hosting the crucial meeting which is set for Victoria Falls. We expect that the outcomes of these discussions will enhance regional energy security and we want to package the region as a destination for energy investment</blockquote>
All SADC member countries currently facing power shortage problems are set to attend the meeting which will take place between 17 and 21 March in the resort town of Vic Falls.
More:<a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zim-set-to-host-sadc-energy-symposium/"> ZBC</a>

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