Escom busts illegal power connections in Lilongwe

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has embarked on a campaign to bust illegal connections, which are costing the sole power supplier revenue.

On Tuesday, Escom management led by head of security Rodrick Mkaka stormed Chinsapo Township in Lilongwe where they exposed illegal connections at four business places and a residential structure.

Mkaka said some individuals are drawing or tapping power from the electrical mains without official approval or are engaging in unauthorised reconnection of officially disconnected premises.

Some of the places busted include Ken Investment comprising four shops, a bar and a welding business owned by Kennedy Nkhoma who was was charged K526 000 on the spot.

In an interview, Nkhoma admitted the illegal connections and has since paid K300 000.

“My business has stopped now because I no longer have electricity. I will have to source another K226 000 before they reconnect,” he said.

But Mkaka said during the exercise, they have exposed cases where a customer connects electricity supply without a meter and in some instances,  a customer removes a legally installed meter from its original location to another location without the approval of Escom.

Escom communications manager Innocent Chitosi, in an interview, said they recovered K8 million through penalties and accumulative charges. n