ZESA’s contract workers in Masvingo Province are having a blast… of unemployment, it seems. After working tirelessly for nearly six months without pay, they’re starting to feel like they’re stuck in some kind of electrifying nightmare.
Over 50 workers were hired to repair and maintain electricity infrastructure, but ZESA seems to have forgotten to pay them. Not a single cent, mind you. The workers are promised US dollars, but all they’ve gotten is a whole lot of nothing.
One worker said, “We’ve been working day and night, climbing poles, fixing cables… yet we can’t even feed our families. My children have gone to school without lunch for weeks now. It’s heartbreaking.” Another added, “This is exploitation. ZESA signed contracts with us in good faith, but now they’re pretending we don’t exist. We’ve borrowed from friends and family just to survive.”
A third worker shared, “I’ve had to sell some of my belongings just to buy food. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going like this.”
The non-payment has taken a significant toll on the workers’ lives. Some have had to:
– Sell personal belongings to make ends meet
– Go without basic necessities like food and healthcare
– Take on additional jobs to make ends meet
ZESA’s financial struggles have been well-documented. The company’s debt and inefficiencies have led to power outages and maintenance delays. It’s unclear whether ZESA has the funds to pay its workers.
When asked about the issue, a ZESA official claimed ignorance, saying, “I’m not aware of what you’re talking about. As far as I’m concerned, everything is under control.” Yeah, sure, everything’s peachy… except for the workers who are struggling to survive.
The workers are demanding immediate payment of all outstanding wages and greater transparency from ZESA. They’re considering legal action or protest if the situation isn’t resolved urgently. The workers are also calling on the government to intervene and ensure that ZESA pays its workers on time.
ZESA must take immediate action to address the payment issue and ensure that its workers are paid on time. The government should also investigate ZESA’s financial management and ensure that the company is run efficiently.
Let’s hope ZESA gets the message before things get any more shocking. The workers deserve better, and it’s time for ZESA to take responsibility for its actions.
source – zimeye