By The Forum
Images of vandalized and missing electricity transmission infrastructure flood both traditional and social media.
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) is losing an estimated K2 billion (about US$1.2 million) annually to infrastructure vandalism, according to its Chief Operations Officer, Maxwell Mulimakwenda.
Speaking after yet another attack on the grid in Thyolo and Phalombe, Mulimakwenda told Nation Online recently that Escom plans to install surveillance cameras in areas prone to vandalism but he admitted this is not a permanent fix.
“We can’t put security measures everywhere,” he said. “That’s why we emphasize that the communities are our best line of defense. We need them to work with us to fight vandalism.”
Vandalism is indeed a persistent problem. In response, the Malawi government enacted the Electricity Amendment Act 2024 (EAA2024). The new law imposes stiffer penalties: up to 30 years in prison without the option of a fine, that is up from a previous maximum of 10 years and a K5 million penalty.
But what’s all the fuss about electricity?
Electricity is a critical driver of economic development. Without it, industrial operations slow down, investment dries up, and the quality of life deteriorates. Yet Malawi continues to struggle with power reliability, and infrastructure vandalism remains a major culprit.
The authorities clearly understand the severity of the issue hence the EAA2024. But are Malawians aware of the consequences of vandalizing public infrastructure?
“It’s all about money,” Emelia Mithi, an entrepreneur, told The Forum. “They’ll do anything to get it.”
Retired schoolteacher Cornelius Banda blames high unemployment. He doesn’t condone the sabotage but understands the desperation: “People have to eat. That’s what they’ll tell you. They have families to take care of.”
Media professional Mgeme Kalilani knows the pain firsthand. His back-up power equipment was stolen and the transformer at his place of business has had to be replaced three times in the past two years. Despite filing reports and even getting help from a well-wisher who tried to assist police, nothing came of it.
“The people doing this vandalism are part of our community,” Kalilani says, painting a grim picture of complicity. “We pretend we don’t know them. We are their buyers—scrap metal buyers. We willingly license them. They export these items to South Africa and China.”
So what happens when they’re caught?
“We represent them in court. We grant them bail. When they strike, we pretend to complain,” he says. “Ask the police in private why it keeps happening — they’ll tell you, ‘we’re tired of arresting these people.’”
Even those in high places aren’t spared. Judge Viva Nyimba recently had electricity lines stolen from his newly built home, just a week after installation.
The danger of electrocution doesn’t seem to deter the thieves. And what of the 30-year jail term?
Quips Nyimba, “People don’t fear jail.”
