The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has called on residents and businesses to adhere to regulations requiring periodic electrical inspections every ten years to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
Speaking recently, ZERA’s Regional Electricity Inspector , Wellington Nyamakawu, emphasized that these inspections help identify potential faults and mitigate risks associated with electrical installations.
Zimbabwean law does not explicitly mandate fixed intervals for inspections, the Electricity Act [Chapter 13:19] and related regulations impose a duty on property owners and operators to maintain safe electrical systems. “Periodic inspections are a practical measure to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect lives and property,” said Nyamakawu.
The Electricity Act, enacted in 2002 and amended over the years, governs the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electricity in Zimbabwe. Section 47 of the Act mandates that all electrical installations comply with prescribed safety and technical standards. Although the Act does not specify inspection intervals, it implies ongoing maintenance to ensure safety, which necessitates periodic checks.
Under Statutory Instrument 103 of 2010 – Electricity (Licensing) Regulations, electrical contractors and installers are required to ensure that installations meet ZERA’s technical standards, aligned with international norms like BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations). While these regulations do not explicitly mandate periodic inspections, they emphasize the responsibility of maintaining safe installations post-construction.
The Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] and related regulations, such as Statutory Instrument 68 of 1990, further reinforce the need for workplace safety, including electrical systems. Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment, which includes maintaining electrical installations to prevent hazards like shocks or fires.
ZERA, as the regulatory authority, adopts and enforces technical standards, often drawing from international benchmarks like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) guidelines. The authority requires Certificates of Compliance (CoC) for new or modified installations, issued by licensed electricians. For existing installations, periodic inspections are recommended, particularly for high-risk settings such as factories, mines, and public buildings.
“Inspections are crucial for identifying deterioration, defects, and non-compliance with safety standards,” Nyamakawu explained. “ZERA recommends inspections every 10 years for residential properties.”
ZERA’s call for compliance comes amid growing concerns over electrical safety, exacerbated by Zimbabwe’s ongoing power crisis. Frequent outages and reliance on alternative energy sources like LPG have shifted focus away from electrical maintenance, increasing the risk of accidents. Nyamakawu urged property owners, employers, and operators to prioritize electrical safety by conducting regular inspections.
