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Vandalism costs companies millions of kwacha

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) and Blantyre Water Board (BWB) have teamed up to fight vandalism in a bid to improve delivery of service.

Speaking during the launch of the anti vandalism campaign at Nyambadwe Primary School in Blantyre,  Escom board chairperson Jean Mathanga said the sole power supplier is facing a number of challenges in their course of work, key among them is vandalism of their infrastructure.

Chalamanda: Vandalism affects the council as well
Chalamanda: Vandalism affects the council as well

“Every year, we lose in excess of K20 million (US$44 444) due to vandalism. It is in view of this that we have organised this campaign to sensitise the public against vandalism of Escom and other service providers’ infrastructure and instil a sense of ownership,” she said.

BWB public affairs officer Priscilla Mateyu said the board are hit hard with vandalism, adding that the parastatal losses about K36 million (US$80 000) every month due to vandalism.

“Most areas that have no water supply, especially low-income areas it is due to vandalism. We have been fighting this problem for the past years but it is still rampant,” she said.

In his remarks, Blantyre City mayor Noel Chalamanda applauded the companies for the initiative, pledging to support the companies in their campaign.

“Vandalism does not only affect these three companies but the council as well. Whenever there is communication breakdown, no electricity and water supply people call the council for solutions, hence it is our role too to safeguard their infrastructure,” he said.

Chalamanda said the council will work with the companies to patrol and safeguard property of the companies during and after the campaign period for the common goal.

The sensi tisation programme for Blantyre City will be taken to townshipssuch as Chilobwe, Ndirande Market, Chemusa, Michiru, Mpemba, Makhetha, Bangwe, Kachere, Chimseu, Khama, Manje and BCA Hill.

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