Zesa loses over US$2 million in equipment to theft and vandalism

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has suffered losses exceeding US$2 million due to theft and vandalism of electricity transmission and distribution equipment between January and October this year. The incidents have worsened power outages, leaving already struggling communities without electricity.

During the period, nearly 30 tonnes of copper conductors worth US$600,000 and 10 tonnes of aluminum conductors valued at US$103,000 were stolen. Additionally, 1,543 litres of transformer oil worth US$7,700 were siphoned, and 136 transformers, essential for electricity distribution, were vandalized at a cost of US$848,558.

Daring vandals also stripped bolts and nuts from high-voltage pylons, causing damages valued at over US$4,300. In total, Zesa recorded 1,317 cases of theft and vandalism, resulting in losses amounting to US$2,163,207.

Efforts to combat the crimes led to the arrest of 76 individuals, with 24 convictions resulting in a total of 171 years and four months in prison sentences. However, the increasing frequency of such incidents continues to disrupt power supply.

Prolonged power outages have exacerbated the situation, making it easier for criminals to target Zesa infrastructure. Harare Residents Trust director Mr. Precious Shumba pointed out that outages create opportunities for theft, as live wires are less accessible.

"When there is no electricity, thieves, working with some people from Zesa, are able to vandalize infrastructure with ease," Shumba said.

Zesa's stakeholder relations department indicated that the utility has adopted new strategies to curb theft and vandalism.

"Our loss control department has integrated modern technologies like CCTV and anti-intruder detection systems, complemented by target hardening and community policing initiatives," said the power utility.

Zesa is also collaborating with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the National Prosecution Authority, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), and the Police Anti-Corruption Unit (PACU). Community engagement through radio and road shows aims to encourage collective ownership of electricity infrastructure.

Additionally, Zesa has lobbied for legislative changes, including a ban on copper dealership and export licenses to curb illegal trade.

"We successfully lobbied for increased sentencing jurisdiction for junior magistrates to speed up vandalism cases in courts," Zesa added.

Regional Impact

The losses were distributed across regions: Harare: 12 transformers worth US$114,200 and copper conductors valued at US$11,790 were stolen. Northern Region: Losses of US$607,250, including 43 transformers valued at US$378,000. Eastern Region: Equipment worth US$190,810, including 23 transformers. Western Region: Losses of US$742,106, the highest among regions. Southern Region: Damages totaling US$157,824.

Shumba urged Zesa to involve residents in safeguarding infrastructure.

"ZETDC should create a manual for citizen involvement, showing how they will compensate people for investing in Zesa infrastructure," he said.

In some cases, communities have pooled resources to replace stolen equipment, ensuring quicker restoration of power.
Path Forward

While Zesa continues to enhance anti-vandalism measures, the power utility's challenges underline the need for a broader, collective effort involving government, law enforcement, and communities. Such cooperation is critical to preserving infrastructure and addressing the electricity supply issues affecting Zimbabwe.