The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has filed summons at the High Court demanding over $1,012 million for power supplied to the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda).
BY CHARLES LAITON
In court papers issued late last month, ZETDC said it was demanding $1 012 668,61 together with interest calculated from April 1 this year and the cost of suit from Arda since the latter had shown no indications of settling the debt in terms of the parties’ agreement.
“The plaintiff [ZETDC] herein claims: $1 012 668, 61, owed by the defendant (Arda) to the plaintiff as at March 31, 2017 in respect of power/electricity supplied by plaintiff to the defendant at the latter’s special request and instance in terms of the running electricity supply contract between the two and which amount defendant fails, neglects or refuses to pay despite demand,” the power utility said in its declaration.
According to ZETDC, through its lawyers Chihambakwe, Mutizwa and Partners, on several occasions written requests were made to the agricultural firm seeking payment of the outstanding electricity bill but the latter allegedly failed to clear the debt, prompting the power utility to approach the court for recourse.
“By reason of the said failure, neglect or refusal to pay the above amount/sum, the defendant is obliged to pay the same with interest thereon,” ZETDC said.
However, Arda has since entered an appearance to defend notice and is geared to challenge the claim as and when the matter would be set down for hearing.
