ZETDC Safety Alert: Homeowners Urged to Clear Trees Near Power Lines to Curb Outages

Trees interfering with ZESA powerlines

Harare, Zimbabwe- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has issued a nationwide call for customers to proactively manage vegetation on their premises. The power utility identified encroaching trees and overhanging branches as a leading cause of preventable electricity faults and localized power outages across the country.

Property owners are reminded that maintaining clear pathways for overhead lines is not merely a suggestion but a legal requirement. Under Section 11.2.4 of the Electricity (Distribution Code) Regulations, consumers are responsible for:

• Trimming or cutting branches that interfere with transmission.

• Ensuring no trees are planted directly under or in close proximity to power lines.

• Preventing vegetation from encroaching into the "safe zone" around electrical infrastructure.

While the responsibility for trimming lies with the customer, ZETDC has issued a stern warning against DIY tree cutting near live wires. To prevent fatal accidents and electrocution, the utility mandates a supervised approach:

1. Contact Your Local Center: Liaise with the nearest ZETDC Client Service Centre before starting any work.

2. Professional Guidance: Technicians will provide guidance on safe distances and, if necessary, temporary power isolation to ensure the safety of the workers.

3. Risk Mitigation: Fallen trees on lines remain energized; customers are warned never to touch branches that are already in contact with wires.

Vegetation-related faults account for a significant percentage of "nuisance trips" on the national grid. By clearing these hazards, communities can significantly improve their local power stability, especially during the rainy season when wet branches act as conductors and high winds cause trees to collapse onto lines.

ZETDC faults reporting tree trimming