Escom blames vandalism for power outages in Mzimba

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has blamed vandalism and understaffing for the persistent blackouts in Mzimba.

In recent times, Mzimba South has been experiencing persistent power outages. The situation forced civil society organisations (CSOs) to storm into Escom offices in Mzimba two weeks ago to seek explanations regarding the problem.

Following the grievances raised by the CSOs, Escom held a meeting with the CSOs and other stakeholders on Friday.

Speaking during the meeting, Escom public relations manager Kitty Chingota said inadequate staff has been a challenge in addressing faults that affect the district frequently.

She said: “Vandalism poses a greater threat to improved electricity supply in the district. It is worrisome to hear and see that up to date some retrogressive individuals continue to steal Escom’s earth wires, stay wires, damage transformers and break insulation disks for unsound reasons.”

Chingota said Escom is equally affected and concerned with persistent blackouts in the district since it affects the corporation’s revenue generation capacity.

“We understand the impact blackouts have on businesses, health and other interrelated sectors. On our part, we have lost approximately K19 700 000 in three months, starting from November 2023 to January 2024,” she said.

Mzimba Police Station officer-in-charge Sydon Mpina called on Escom officials to report vandalism to his office.

Mzimba CSO Network chairperson Christopher Milele commended Escom for engaging stakeholders on the issue.

He gave Escom two weeks from January 11 to January 29 2024 to rectify the faults in the district.