By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba — In the quiet, hilly neighborhoods of Kariba, where the call of the wild is never far away, darkness has become more than just the absence of light. It’s a growing symbol of frustration, fear, and helplessness for families left without power due to a surge in transformer and cable vandalism.
When night falls in the Heights and Hills areas, the usual hum of daily life is replaced by anxious silence. Leopards and lions, known to prowl nearby, move more freely as electric fences and lights fail. With each blackout, the sense of security flickers away.
“It’s true we’ve gone for days without power,” says Mrs. Clara Phiri, a long-time resident. “Kariba is an animal-infested area. Without electricity, we feel like prey—not just to nature, but to a system that’s failing to protect us.”
The consequences ripple far beyond the darkened homes. Local radio stations—Platinum FM, Radio Zimbabwe, Kasambabezifm, and Zifm Radio—have gone silent, cutting off a vital source of information and companionship for many. For residents like Mrs. Patience Moyo, a mother of three, the radio isn’t just entertainment—it’s a lifeline.
“We depend on the radio, especially during emergencies,” she says. “This vandalism is affecting our safety and our well-being.”
In one small house, 12-year-old Tendai Moyo struggles to keep up with schoolwork. By the flicker of a candle, he attempts to make out the notes on his phone, which has long since died.
“I can’t do my homework,” he says softly. “We don’t have power. I need my phone for school, but I can’t charge it.”
His story is echoed across the community, where parents are unable to cook meals, children can’t study, and entire families are left in limbo. Frustration is mounting, and so is the resolve.
“It’s frustrating,” admits Mr. Andrew Nyoni. “We can’t read, we can’t cook, and we can’t live like this. The community needs to come together and stop this.”
Kariba’s Mayor, Nyasha Ralph Maoneyi, is urging unity and vigilance.
“This is more than just damage to infrastructure. It’s a direct attack on the heart of our community—our safety and ability to communicate,” he said. “We need everyone to be our eyes and ears. Report suspicious activity. Help us stop this.”
ZESA, Zimbabwe’s power utility, has acknowledged the crisis. In a statement, the company said it was working “diligently” to repair the damaged transformers and cables. “We encourage the public to assist us by reporting any acts of vandalism to ensure a swift response.”
As the people of Kariba endure the long, powerless nights, they hold onto hope—hope that the lights will return, the radios will hum again, and their children will once more be able to study without fear.
Until then, the darkness lingers—not just in their homes, but in the uncertainty that surrounds them.
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