Escom says vandalism cases on the decline

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) says the reduction in cases of vandalism and theft of their property has helped them to save millions of kwacha to replace the equipment.

In an e-mail response on Thursday, Escom public relations officer George Mituka said replacement of vandalised equipment such as a transformer is equivalent to connecting 1 800 new domestic customers.

He said the power supplier has been carrying out intensive civic education campaigns that have resulted in the public realising the importance of safeguarding power generating equipment.

“These campaigns have resulted in the general public taking ownership of Escom property and eventually safeguarding them against vandals and thieves,” said Mituka.

He said apart from transformers, vandals and thieves target Escom cables, disc insulators, poles and steel towers, among others.

Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) executive director John Kapito said it is commendable that Escom has managed to minimise cases of vandalism.

He said the reduction in such cases means a reduction in deaths which were taking place as some vandals were stealing Escom property.

Some vandals steal oil from transformers which is used for cooking despite the oil being a health risk.