ZESA Battles Equipment Losses as Vandalism and Theft Escalate

Zimbabwe’s power utility, ZESA, has reported staggering losses exceeding US$2 million due to rampant theft and vandalism targeting its electricity infrastructure within just ten months this year.

Copper conductors, vital for electricity transmission, were among the primary targets. Nearly 30 tonnes of these cables, valued at US$600,000, vanished between January and October.

Aluminum conductors were also not spared, with 10 tonnes worth US$103,000 stolen during the same period. These thefts severely impacted the delivery of electricity across the country.

Transformer oil theft reached alarming levels, with over 1,500 liters siphoned off, amounting to losses of US$7,700. Transformers themselves became significant casualties of this crime wave.

A total of 136 transformers, essential for power transmission, were vandalized, resulting in damages estimated at US$848,558. Their destruction left many areas grappling with prolonged blackouts.

High-voltage pylons also fell victim, with thieves targeting bolts and nuts. This act of sabotage caused additional damages exceeding US$4,300, destabilizing critical infrastructure.

In total, ZESA documented 1,317 incidents of theft and vandalism this year, reflecting the scale of challenges the power utility faces in safeguarding its assets.

Harare Region reported the theft of 12 transformers valued at US$114,200. Additionally, over 5,800 kilograms of copper conductors, worth US$11,790, were stolen from this region.

In the Northern Region, including areas like Chinhoyi, Kadoma, and Bindura, 43 transformers were destroyed. This resulted in losses of US$378,000, contributing to a regional total of US$607,250.

Manicaland and parts of Masvingo, categorized as the Eastern Region, reported thefts totaling US$190,810. Stolen equipment included 23 transformers valued at US$99,058.

Bulawayo and parts of Matabeleland, grouped as the Western Region, suffered the most significant losses, with damages amounting to US$742,106 from widespread theft and vandalism.

The Southern Region, encompassing parts of Masvingo, Gweru, and Kwekwe, faced damages worth US$157,824. This included attacks on infrastructure critical to the electricity grid.

Prolonged power outages have exacerbated the problem, making ZESA’s equipment more vulnerable to criminals who exploit darkened areas to steal components.

The loss of essential infrastructure compounds Zimbabwe’s energy crisis, leaving communities without reliable power and increasing the financial strain on ZESA.

Efforts to address these thefts remain a critical priority for the utility as it seeks to restore stability and protect its network from further losses.