By Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA) in its press statement has refuted a story published in the NewsDay yesterday under the headline- Gvt to ban fridges, stoves, tvs.

The head line was false and misinforming that Government would ban the use of these appliances, the Authority has said.

“Reference is made to a story published in the NewsDay of Wednesday 27 February 2019, under the headline- Gvt to ban fridges, stoves, tvs. The headline is incorrect and misleading,” said ZERA.

ZERA also said that contrary to the falsehood being peddled by the newspaper, it was carrying out consultations to develop minimum energy performance standards for electrical appliances in the country.

“We are carrying out consultations with consumers, policy makers and electrical appliance retailers on the development of minimum energy performance standards for electrical appliances. The standards will provide for restrictions on manufacturing, importation and sale of such inefficient electrical appliance in Zimbabwe.

“Draft regulations meant to phase out the importation and manufacture of inefficient electrical appliances, are being developed and will be promulgated after consultations with all key stakeholders across the country,” said ZERA.

ZERA also said that it was not going to ban any electrical appliances currently being used by consumers but would prohibit the manufacture, importation and sale of inefficient appliances which do not conform to the country’s standards.

“The proposed standards will not ban the usage of appliances currently being used by consumers, but, if approved, will prohibit the manufacture, importation and sale of inefficient appliances which do not conform to; meet the approved rating or minimum energy performance standards in the country,” said the Authority.

It has come to light that some newspapers such as the NewsDay are no longer following journalism ethics, such newspapers continue to mislead the public, which is detrimental to the social well being of the country.