Zimbabwe’s parliament experienced a power cut during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech, reflecting the country’s energy crisis. The blackout, attributed to a lightning strike, impacted top officials in attendance. Ncube projected a 15% contraction in agriculture due to drought but forecasted a 6% economic growth for next year if rainfall improves.
During a significant moment in Zimbabwe’s parliamentary proceedings, a sudden power outage occurred as Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube was concluding his budget address. The unexpected blackout left key governmental figures, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, in darkness. This incident reflects the ongoing energy crisis in Zimbabwe, characterized by regular 12-hour blackouts attributed to a severe drought affecting electricity production at the Kariba Dam, the primary source of power in the nation. George Manyaya, a representative from the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa), clarified that this blackout was unanticipated, noting that parliament is typically insulated from such outages due to its dedicated power supply, and attributed the incident to a lightning strike. Prior to the power loss, Minister Ncube forecasted a 15% contraction in the agricultural sector for the current year, but he projected a 6% economic growth for the following year, contingent upon anticipated above-average rainfall to bolster both agriculture and electricity supply.
The recent power cut during a prominent budget speech highlights the dire energy challenges faced by Zimbabwe. The nation has been grappling with extended periods of load shedding, primarily driven by environmental factors such as prolonged droughts affecting the Kariba Dam’s capacity. This hydroelectric facility is vital for the country’s energy supply, and its diminishing output has profound implications for economic stability. As the government addresses these pressing issues, the reliance on agriculture and water resources remains pivotal in shaping future economic forecasts.
In summary, the power outage during Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech serves as a stark reminder of Zimbabwe’s energy challenges. The unanticipated blackout resulted from a lightning strike, underscoring the vulnerabilities in the country’s electricity infrastructure. Despite the setbacks, Minister Ncube remains optimistic about economic recovery, depending on favorable climatic conditions, which could revitalize both the agricultural sector and overall economic growth.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
