Africa-Press – Malawi. The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has said it is losing up to K2 billion every year due to vandalism.
The vice, which Escom has rated as a setback, is said to be worsening power supply challenges.
In an interview, Escom Chief Executive Officer Kamkwamba Kumwenda said vandalism of powerlines, transformers and other key installations had become a serious drain on the corporation’s finances.
He said the losses make it even harder for Escom to invest in improving electricity distribution and settling debts with independent power producers.
“Every year, we are losing around K2 billion through vandalism. This is money that could have been channeled towards stabilising power supply or supporting expansion projects. The acts of vandalism are setting us back as a nation,” Kumwenda said.
Energy policy expert Kossam Munthali described the trend as a national crisis that requires stronger interventions from both the government and community members.
“Vandalism is not just a criminal act against Escom but an attack on the economy,” Munthali said.
Malawi has long struggled with erratic electricity supply.
Vandalism, low generation capacity, foreign exchange shortages and delays IPP projects have been contributing to the situation.
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