Zimbabwe Will Have Zero Power Cuts In January Says ZESA Chairperson Sydney Gata

By Staff Reporter
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October 19, 2021

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) board chairperson Sydney Gata has said the country should expect zero load-shedding next January next year as the power utility is implementing some measures to ensure enough supply in the country.

ZESA generates just over 1 400MW from its five power plants against a demand of above 1 700MW.

Power generation is affected by aging power plants with the Hwange Power Station which was commissioned in 1983 having outlived its lifespan.

gata zesa

Other power generation plants include Bulawayo thermal, Munyati thermal, Harare thermal, and Kariba hydroelectric. The country covers the shortfall through load shedding and imports.

Gata made the promise while speaking to the media during a media tour organised by the Zimbabwe National Editors' Forum (ZINEF) and ZESA.

"Electricity supply is a unique service which is demanded instantly. This asset was designed and commissioned in 1983 using the 1970s technology but has been operating non-stop," he said.
"I am not saying we are ending load shedding, but come January you will see there will be changes. This will come from improved Hwange Power station operation, maintenance of the plunge pool at Kariba which we will finish in December."

Gata added ZESA will also clear US$60 million of the US$80 million owed to Mozambique's Cahora Bassa in the next few weeks.

"We will still owe then about US$20 million, but we will get 180MW and that should end load shedding. We recently signed an agreement with Zambia and we will soon be getting 100MW and another 200MW starting in January. Zambia has excess power as they are currently commissioning Kafue lower from where we will be getting power," he said.

Meanwhile, the expansion of Hwange Unit 7 and 8 is now 72% complete but remains behind schedule as the first plant should have already been commissioned.

The project was supposed to take 42 months from its start in August 2018 and is now at its 39th month, engineer Forbes Chanakira who is the project manager, said.

The expansion project will add 600MW to the grid.

Most parts of the country are experiencing daily load shedding as the power utility struggles to fill the deficit gap.

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Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Commercial Truck Claims Are Different

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Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Commercial Truck Claims Are Different

Truck accidents are not ordinary car accidents.

A crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or commercial vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries. These cases often involve bigger insurance policies, more evidence, multiple responsible parties, and aggressive defense teams.

That is why injured people often search for a truck accident lawyer after a serious commercial vehicle crash.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex

Truck accident cases may involve:

Truck driver negligence
Trucking company responsibility
Maintenance contractors
Cargo loading companies
Vehicle manufacturers
Insurance companies
Federal trucking regulations
Driver logs
Black box data
Dispatch records
Inspection reports

Unlike a typical two-car crash, a truck case may require immediate investigation before evidence is lost.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes may involve:

Driver fatigue
Speeding
Distracted driving
Improper lane changes
Unsafe turns
Poor maintenance
Brake failure
Tire failure
Overloaded cargo
Improperly secured cargo
Inexperienced drivers
Weather conditions
Following too closely

A lawyer may investigate whether the driver, trucking company, or another party violated safety rules.

Important Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

Evidence may include:

Police report
Driver logs
Electronic logging device data
Black box data
Dash camera footage
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Driver qualification file
Drug and alcohol testing records
Cargo loading records
Company safety policies
GPS data
Cell phone records
Witness statements

Some evidence may only be kept for a limited time. Quick action matters.

Who Can Be Responsible?

Possible responsible parties may include:

Truck driver
Trucking company
Cargo loading company
Maintenance company
Truck owner
Trailer owner
Parts manufacturer
Broker or shipper in some cases
Government entity in road defect cases

A truck accident attorney can help identify all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Because trucks are large and heavy, injuries can be severe.

Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Burns
Crush injuries
Amputations
Severe back injuries
Neck injuries
Wrongful death

These injuries may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and future care planning.

What Damages May Be Available?

A truck accident claim may include:

Emergency care
Surgery
Hospital bills
Rehabilitation
Future medical care
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability
Home modifications
Out-of-pocket expenses
Wrongful death damages

The exact damages depend on the case and state law.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Truck Claims

Truck accident claims can involve large financial exposure. Insurance companies may move quickly to protect their interests.

They may:

Send investigators to the scene
Request statements
Dispute fault
Blame the injured person
Challenge medical treatment
Delay settlement
Offer less than the case may be worth

Do not assume the trucking company’s insurer is protecting you.

When to Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

Contact a lawyer quickly if:

You were hit by a commercial truck
You suffered serious injuries
A loved one died
The truck company contacts you
Evidence may disappear
Fault is disputed
Multiple vehicles were involved
The crash involved hazardous cargo
You are asked to give a recorded statement

Final Thoughts

Truck accident cases require fast investigation and careful legal strategy.

Because commercial truck claims can involve serious injuries, complex evidence, and multiple parties, speaking with a qualified truck accident lawyer early can help protect your claim.

Do not wait until key evidence is gone.

Structured Settlement Payout vs Lump Sum: Which Option Is Better?

Understanding Structured Settlements

Structured settlements are financial arrangements commonly used in personal injury cases, insurance claims, and legal settlements. Instead of receiving one large payment immediately, recipients receive scheduled payments over a period of years or even decades.

Many individuals prefer structured settlements because they provide predictable long-term income and reduce the risk of quickly spending large amounts of money. Structured payments can help cover ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and daily living needs consistently.

Insurance companies and courts often recommend structured settlements for minors or individuals requiring long-term financial support after accidents or legal claims.

Advantages of Lump Sum Payments

Lump sum payouts provide recipients with immediate access to the entire settlement amount. This option offers greater financial flexibility and allows individuals to pay off debt, invest money, purchase property, or handle major expenses quickly.

Some recipients prefer lump sums because they maintain full control over their finances instead of relying on scheduled payments over time. Investors and financially disciplined individuals may also use lump sums to generate additional returns through investments.

However, managing large amounts of money responsibly requires strong financial planning. Poor spending decisions can quickly reduce settlement funds and create future financial difficulties.

Important Financial Considerations

Before choosing between structured settlements and lump sum payouts, recipients should consult financial advisors and legal professionals carefully.

Factors such as tax implications, inflation, investment opportunities, medical needs, and long-term financial goals should all be considered during decision-making.

Individuals with ongoing healthcare expenses or limited financial management experience may benefit more from structured payments, while others may prefer the flexibility of immediate access to funds.

Final Thoughts

Both structured settlements and lump sum payouts offer unique advantages depending on personal financial circumstances and long-term goals. Careful financial planning is essential before making settlement decisions.

Consulting experienced financial advisors can help recipients protect their financial future while maximizing the value of settlement compensation.