By Cosmas Kaunga | ESCOM Outreach Officer
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited launched the Anti-Vandalism and Safety Campaign in the Central Region on Thursday, 17th April 2025 with a passionate call for community involvement in protecting electricity infrastructure and promoting safety.
The launch event was held at Senior Group Village Headman (GVH) Ngwangwa in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the launch, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Gracious Banda, Senior Engineer – Operations at ESCOM’s Regional Control Centre, warned against the growing cases of vandalism targeting ESCOM infrastructure such as transformers, conductors, and earth-mats.
“These incidents are not merely acts of theft or sabotage,” said Mr. Banda. “They are acts that strip communities of their access to electricity, disrupt businesses, damage livelihoods, and in some cases, endanger lives—especially patients in health centres who rely on power for life‑saving medical equipment.”
Mr. Banda emphasized that vandalism is not a victimless crime, noting that when a transformer is stolen or damaged, entire villages are plunged into darkness, affecting education, healthcare, and small scale businesses such as barbershops. He described the Anti-Vandalism and Safety Campaign as “not just a series of meetings—it is a movement” aimed at engaging and empowering communities to take ownership of electricity infrastructure and to use it safely.
“Safety is not just the job of ESCOM – it is the responsibility of every citizen, every family, every community leader,” he added,
urging households to avoid illegal connections, teach children to steer clear of power lines, and report any damaged equipment to ESCOM immediately.
Echoing these sentiments, Senior GVH Ngwangwa expressed gratitude that his community now has access to electricity and pledged to safeguard all electrical equipment within his jurisdiction.
“We will mobilise our community policing forums in all the areas that have electricity under our territory to ensure no one vandalises and steals these equipment. It is my wish that electricity should reach everyone under my rulership,” he said.
To reinforce the legal punishments of vandalism, Sub‑Inspector Memory Haziwel from Nsungwi Police Station reminded attendees of the stringent penalties under the Electricity Amendment Act 2024.
“Once found guilty, the culprit can face up to 30 years’ imprisonment and pay a fine of K100 million,” she warned.
Haziwel underscored the seriousness with which law enforcement will pursue offenders.
As part of the campaign, ESCOM will conduct sensitization meetings in hotspot areas across Lilongwe, Dowa, Kasungu, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Dedza, and Salima over the next 30 days targeting traditional leaders.
The initiative targets areas identified as vulnerable due to to repeated cases of vandalism.
