Some ZESCO officers accused of soliciting for bribes to connect power

Allegations of corruption have emerged as ZESCO struggles to deal with the issue of connecting power to new clients in Chipata.
Speaking to Breeze News, some people who want to have electricity connected to their houses, allege that some officers have been soliciting for bribes to facilitate quick connections.
The residents from Moth Extension, Nabvutika and Mchini Compounds complained that a year has passed from the time they paid connection fees but nothing has been done.
Mathews Zulu, Antonio Njobvu, Eliza Banda and Robert Phiri all wondered what kind of system ZESCO is using to connect power to new clients as others are being favoured.
But ZESCO Regional Manager, Joseph Chilongo has dismissed allegations of corruption stating that whenever a crisis is being managed, such accusations are bound to come up.
Mr. Chilongo explained that the power company has not had poles to connect new clients for almost a year, a situation which has mounted pressure on ZESCO.
He however, says that 320 poles have been delivered in Chipata and 228 poles in Petauke from Zimbabwe, which will facilitate new electricity connections.