Top 10 effects of loadshedding in Zimbabwe.

Constant power cuts have become the order of the day in Zimbabwe. Households and industry now face up to 18 hours of power outage. Sadly, the power cuts have impacted negatively the lives of many people. We have compiled a list of effects brought about by loadshedding.

1 Electrical appliances have been damaged due to the sudden power surge when electricity comes back just before midnight. Most people have lamented the breakdown of appliances such as stoves, fridges and electrical kettles that would have been left switched on in the absence of power.

2 Most people that have boreholes as their source of water have have to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, in the biting cold weather to get water. Boreholes are generally powered by electricity and in the absence of power they are pretty much useless.

3 The darkness brought about by power cuts has led to an increase in crimes such as theft, robbery, rape and even murder. It is no longer safe to travel after dark as people risk getting mugged.

4 School children have been affected as they are unable to study and prepare for exams timeously. Most of them have to wake up during odd hours to read and do their homework.

5 Industry has virtually been brought to a halt. Even big companies such as Econet have announced the challenges they are facing to run generators in order to keep up operations.

6 Entertainment has become a thing of the past for many. People have been opening up on social media how their little kids often have to wake up at night to watch their favourite cartoons as they are unable to do so during the day.

7 Cooking has become more simplified in most households. Sophisticated recipes such as baking and grilling meat in the oven are no longer viable.

8 Sleeping patterns have been changed. Most people are no longer getting adequate sleeping hours as they have to wake up when electricity comes back to do chores that recquire electricity such as ironing.

9 The cold winter nights have become colder due to the absence of power.

10 Certain basic items such as matches and candles have become expensive. This has been necessitated by an increase in their demand