Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has condemned continued vandalism of ESCOM power supply infrastructure describing the vice as barbaric, with serious negative implications on the country’s social and economic activities.
Matola’s condemnation follows the vandalism that targeted the Illovo Estate on the L25 Mulambe line, disrupting power supply to several trading centers including Nchalo, Miseu 4, and Ngabu areas in Chikwawa, in the early hours of Sunday 19th May.
He describe the incident as sabotage meant to undermine the government’s efforts of ensuring access to electricity for all citizen and called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the issue.
“Those responsible should understand that their actions affect not only the government but also their own families and communities who rely on the same electricity” said Matola.
Matola has since directed ESCOM to prioritize the restoration of power to the affected areas and enhance security measures to protect the power infrastructure.
Vandalism of power infrastructure has cost Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi about K4 billion in the past two years.
