Business Reporter
THE MUTAPA Investment Fund (MIF) has bemoaned vandalism of electricity infrastructure saying funds meant to expand power projects are then chanelled towards replacement costs.
In a specch read on behalf of the MIF CEO,Doctor John Mangudya by the entity’s (MIF) chief investments officer,Simbarashe Chinyemba , the negative impact of infrastructure thefts and vandalism was noted as a regrettable occurence.
“These losses slow down the rate of infrastructure expansion and development as funds that are meant for network expansion are then channelled towards replacement of stolen and vandalised equipment,” he said.
Vandalism of electricity infrastructure continues to be a thorn in the power utility’s flesh
ZETDC is struggling to replace stolen power lines and transformers with 1,569 vandalism incidents in 2023 alone.Thieves target transformers and copper power lines which have a ready market in South Africa.
The power authority continues to work hand in glove with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to curb infrastructure thefts across the country.
Mangudya also hailed the successful completion and commissioning of major projects such as the Hwange Units 7 in Hwange which was attributed to a risk management culture at the power utility.
“It does not require any emphasis that electricity is a key enabler for investment and economic growth. What Zesa has done to take a leading role to promote good risk management should be emulated,” he said.
“These include a significant 42% reduction in fatal occupational accidents involving employees at the workplace, especially at ZETDC [Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company].
“In addition to this, there has been a 37% reduction in transmission and distribution asset losses and a general 28% improvement in compliance issues be they statutory, internal policies and standards.”
