Malawi’s Electricity Supply Corporation (ESCOM) has appealed to communities and traditional leaders in Kasungu, Lilongwe and Salima districts to support efforts to protect electricity infrastructure from vandalism.
The appeal forms part of a week-long awareness campaign launched after four transformers were vandalised in Kasungu within four weeks, disrupting electricity supply to several communities.
ESCOM said it spends more than 3 billion kwacha, or about $1.8 million, each year repairing vandalised equipment, diverting funds that could otherwise support the expansion and improvement of the electricity network.
Speaking at engagements with traditional leaders and police officers, ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer Mr. Pilirani Phiri urged communities to recognise electricity infrastructure as essential to local development.
“Let’s see the transformer as development, a hub for local business, a functioning health centre, and the future for children who need light to study at night,” he said.
Traditional leaders expressed concern about the increasing incidents of vandalism and pledged to strengthen community monitoring. Senior Chiefs Kaomba and Mwase directed subordinate chiefs to enhance surveillance and organise night patrols to protect transformers and other electricity installations.
Police officers in Kanengo and Kasungu also cautioned residents against shielding or assisting individuals involved in the theft or destruction of ESCOM infrastructure.
ESCOM said it would continue working with traditional authorities, security agencies, local communities and civil society organisations to prevent vandalism, protect electricity infrastructure and maintain reliable power supply.