This was after the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) had reported the theft of 42 spans (seven kilometres) of copper cables, plunging residents into nearly a year of total blackout.

Electricity is also used to power water pumps in affected areas.

"Power supplies to Maphisa and surrounding areas were switched on yesterday morning following the completion and commissioning of the new line.

"We are very delighted at the fact that we have been able to restore power to Maphisa, the shopping centre, the hospital, the irrigation schemes had all ground to a halt.

"This is a case that demonstrates the disaster that is being imposed on the country by those sabotaging the country by stealing cable and transformers," said Chasi, whose ministry is sponsoring a Bill seeking a mandatory 30-year jail sentence on those caught stealing electricity infrastructure.