ZESCO has disclosed in a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that electricity utility has recorded a 37% reduction in cases of vandalism in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020.
Public Relations Manager Hazel Zulu told ZBT that the electricity giant has recorded a total of 190 cases of vandalism in the 2nd quarter of 2020 worth about K1 million compared to 261 cases in the 1st quarter of 2020 which was worth about K1.7 million. The most vandalized items were Transmission towers, transformers and copper cables.
However, ZESCO is still concerned and saddened that installations are still targeted by vandals despite recording a reduction in the number of vandalism cases. Because these electrical equipment require huge amounts of money and investment.
“We however, note with concern that, ZESCO installations have continued to fall prey to vandals despite recording a decrease in the number of vandalism cases. We are saddened by this development as it is not only detrimental to the development of the energy sector but the country at large. Electrical equipment involves huge amounts of money and investment and any acts of vandalism is retrogressive and takes the corporation and the country backwards”.
“We send a stern warning to perpetrators of such vices and reiterate that ZESCO will not relent in ensuring that the culprits are arrested and brought to book”, she said.
But on a lighter note, ZESCO is delighted to announce that the recent reduction in vandalism cases was also accompanied with several arrests made during the period under review.
”We are nonetheless, pleased to inform the public that ZESCO, working with relevant law enforcement agencies recorded a total of 69 arrests in the period under review, compared to the 47 arrests recorded in the previous quarter. Furthermore, the corporation managed to secure 15 Convictions while 48 cases were active in the courts of law”, she said.
