By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
As Zimbabwe grapples with a deepening electricity crisis, former Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi has expressed a strong desire to return to his old position and help address the country’s pressing energy challenges.
The power situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with the water levels at Lake Kariba, a crucial source of hydroelectric power, dropping to a critical low. As of November 18th, the Zambezi River Authority reported that the usable live water for power generation was only 2.40%, a drastic decline from the 15.15% recorded during the same period in 2023.
The consequences have been severe, with the country experiencing prolonged blackouts, with some areas receiving electricity for as little as two to three hours at night. The situation worsened to the point that the entire country experienced a total blackout just yesterday.
Amid the growing public frustration, many Zimbabweans have taken to social media, calling for Chasi’s return to the energy ministry, believing he is the best-suited individual to tackle the crisis. Chasi, who was appointed to the position in May 2019, was credited with improving the power situation during his tenure, despite the country facing its worst electricity crisis on record at the time.
Responding to the public’s demands, Chasi acknowledged the growing calls for his return through a post on his X account (formerly Twitter).
“I can’t pretend that I am not seeing your ‘demands’ to go back to my former job. I do not take your confidence in me lightly. I encounter it daily & everywhere. As I have said before, serving one’s country is a duty we must all be ready. I am!” he tweeted.
Chasi’s comments suggest a willingness to reclaim his former position and use his expertise to address the worsening power crisis in Zimbabwe.
However, a response from the ZANU-PF Patriots, a social media grouping seen to be an agenda setter of ruling Party narratives, claimed that it is insane for a party member to claim available for a position occupied by another comrade, calling it a sheer disrespect to the incumbent and the appointer.
As the electricity situation continues to deteriorate, the pressure on the government to act swiftly and effectively will only intensify.