The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) has launched an investigation into a widespread power outage that disrupted electricity supply in Zambia and Zimbabwe on Monday night. The blackout occurred at 20:15 hours and simultaneously affected both countries due to their interconnected power systems, according to Zambia’s Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Peter Mumba.
Cause Under Investigation
Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana and Acting ZESCO Managing Director Justin Longo, Mr. Mumba explained that the disruption was caused by a power system disturbance on the Zambia-Zimbabwe interconnector. Although the exact cause remains unclear, ZESCO teams are working around the clock to restore normal operations.
Mr. Mumba assured the public that the government is committed to resolving the issue and addressing any vulnerabilities in the power infrastructure. “We are confident that the investigation by SAPP will provide the clarity needed to prevent future incidents,” he added.
Power Rationing Adjustments
Justin Longo highlighted ongoing power rationing measures in Zambia. Between November 1 and 16, households experienced outages of six to seven hours daily. This was reduced to three to five hours starting November 16 due to scheduled maintenance works, including a temporary disconnection of a power line from Namibia. Longo noted that once the Zimbabwe interconnection is restored, rationing will revert to the earlier schedule.
Mining Sector Impact
The blackout affected operations at two mines, trapping workers underground at a Chinese-operated facility in Chambishi and Mopani Mine’s Mindolo shaft. Mr. Mumba confirmed that all miners were safely rescued after backup power systems were activated. He praised ZESCO for its quick response and commended Zambians for their patience during the crisis.
Health Sector Preparedness
Thabo Kawana, the Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary, emphasized the government’s readiness to handle emergencies in critical sectors. Hospitals across the country, including the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), maintained essential services through emergency power systems. “Power was restored to UTH within 30 minutes, and no lives were lost during the incident,” he stated.
The Way Forward
As the SAPP investigation progresses, the Zambian government has promised to keep citizens updated on its findings. Authorities are also prioritizing measures to strengthen the resilience of the power grid and reduce the risk of similar incidents.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of interconnected power systems in the region and underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness. The government’s swift response and the solidarity shown by citizens during the disruption have been widely praised, but expectations remain high for long-term solutions.
