HARARE, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Energy Minister Fortune Chasi on Tuesday shared a proof on Twitter of the 10 million U.S. dollars payment made to South Africa's power utility Eskom.
This came after the minister was accused of lying about the payment after Eskom last week denied receiving the payment towards Zimbabwe's power debt to the utility which stands at about 33 million dollars.
"Lies have short legs. This is what I lied about. I am sorry," Chasi said on Twitter in a sarcastic message that was accompanied by the proof of payment which was done on July 1, 2019.
ESKOM is supplying Zimbabwe, currently facing acute power shortages, with about 50 megawatts of power.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance George Guvamatanga on Monday came to Chasi's defense and assured the nation that he had not lied as the government had started the payment process when he made the announcement last Wednesday.
Zimbabweans have become agitated over power issues as the country is experiencing a huge deficit that has resulted in crippling power cuts lasting up to 17 hours a day.
"Zimbabweans, whilst we have paid 10 million dollars, this is no guarantee for power. We need to negotiate. The public owes 350 million (dollars). It must be paid," said Chasi.
