This article was originally published on Malawi24 ">Malawi24, Malawi's #1 independent news platform. Traditional leaders in Kasungu have called on communities to form security patrols to protect Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) infrastructure as vandalism leaves parts of the district without power. The call follows the vandalism of four transformers in the district within a few weeks, disrupting electricity supply to several communities. The incidents have prompted […] Read the f
Traditional leaders in Kasungu have called on communities to form security patrols to protect Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) infrastructure as vandalism leaves parts of the district without power.
The call follows the vandalism of four transformers in the district within a few weeks, disrupting electricity supply to several communities.
The incidents have prompted ESCOM to intensify community sensitisation efforts targeting traditional leaders and business communities in Kasungu, Lilongwe and Salima.
Speaking at his headquarters during one of the sensitisation meetings, Senior Chief Kaomba urged chiefs under his jurisdiction to take an active role in protecting electricity infrastructure.
“I am appealing to all the chiefs under me to help safeguard ESCOM infrastructure. Electricity is development. We must safeguard it. Let’s form patrols in our areas,” said Kaomba.
Senior Chief Kaomba: let’s safeguard ESCOM Property
Senior Chief Mwase also welcomed the initiative, saying community involvement was crucial in tackling the growing problem of vandalism.
Police officers from Kasungu Police Station, who oversee community policing around the Boma, also urged residents to remain vigilant and work with law enforcement agencies to combat the theft and destruction of public infrastructure.
ESCOM Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer Pilirani Phiri said the campaign seeks to encourage communities to take ownership of electricity infrastructure in their areas.
“As communities, take ownership of the infrastructure in your area. This is the only way we can defeat vandalism,” said Phiri.
She urged communities to view transformers not merely as electricity equipment, but as infrastructure that supports businesses, health centres and education.
“Let’s see a transformer as the hub for business in your community, as a health centre in your area, as the future for your child. They need electricity to study at night,” she said.
ESCOM has also engaged civil society organisations to help strengthen public awareness campaigns against vandalism.
The power utility estimates that it loses about K3 billion every year due to deliberate vandalism of its infrastructure, money that could otherwise support expansion and improvement of the electricity grid.
The chiefs’ call comes as communities continue to bear the consequences of vandalism, including prolonged power outages and disruption of businesses and other essential services.
